Leader|july 11|2007

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INTER-COUNTY

July 11, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 46

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Lawsuit filed over boardwalk plan

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Precious cargo

Calls DNR’s decision to deny permit for boardwalk and pier project on Balsam Lake “an erroneous interpretation of law.” Page 7

Miss Siren

Miss Centuria

Jenna Wambolt, daughter of Kim and Wade Wambolt, was chosen Miss Siren 2007 during the Siren Queen Pageant on Saturday. More photos in Currents section. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

Cailin Turner, daughter of Jeff and Susan Turner, was crowned Miss Centuria 2007 at a pageant held Friday evening at Unity Schools. More photos in Currents section. – Photo by Gary King

The great tug A quarter mile of rope and the St. Croix River will end the dispute over who has more pull Minnesota or Wisconsin Page 14

I N S I D E The road back CURRENTS FEATURE

Grantsburg defeates New Richmond SPORTS Inside this section

This young man seems to be keeping a close eye on his ride during the annual Memory Days Parade at Centuria, Sunday. With temperatures nearly 100 degrees, cold water was a popular commodity. More photos of Centuria Memory Days in Currents section. - Photo by Erik Barstow

Josephine Taylor-Winters first woman tribal chair Was part of early area family by Gregg Westigard HERTEL – Hazel Hindsley, the new chairperson of the St. Croix Tribal Council, is not the first woman to hold that position. Josephine Taylor-Winters was council chair from 1967 to 1969, according to Wanda McFaggen, director of the St. Croix Tribal Historic Preservation Department. Taylor-Winters was a member of one of the early Ojibwe families in the area and the aunt of longtime council member Lewis Taylor. Taylor-Winters was raised in one of the oldest Ojibwe settlements in the area, east of Shell Lake, and went to

See First woman, page 3

Josephine Taylor-Winters


PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Obey writes book

The University of Wisconsin Press has announced that Congressman Dave Obey’s book, “Raising Hell for Justice, The Washington Battles of a Heartland Progressive,” will be released in September. Obey is the longest-serving member of the U. S. Congress in Wisconsin history and is current chair of the the Appropriations Committee. “Dave Obey’s story reminds us that in a city of quicksand it is still possible to stand on principle as a servant of your ideals and the public,” notes Bill Moyers, author of “Moyers on America.” “Like its author, this book is passionate, honest, and funny,” writes Mark Shields, syndicated columnist and political analyst on PBS “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” For further information: contact The University of Wisconsin Press, 608263-0734 or via e-mail at publicity@uwpress.wisc.edu. - special photo

Twelve-year-old airlifted following Hwy. 70 accident GRANTSBURG – Kayla M. Casey, 12, Grantsburg, was flown to a Twin Cities area hospital, and four others transported to Burnett Medical Center by ambulance after a two-vehicle accident east of Grantsburg on July 5. Raymond J. Casey, 56, St. Croix Falls was westbound on Hwy. 70 with his grandchildren in the back seat. He was slowing down to turn into Jason and Mandie Casey’s driveway, where his grandchildren live, when Gordon A. Braastad, 87, Long Prairie, Minn., hit the Casey vehicle from behind. Witnesses to the accident say that Braastad appeared not to see that the Casey vehicle was turning in time to avoid the accident. Braastad’s pickup truck pushed the trunk compartment into the back seat of the Casey vehicle. The Casey children were not wearing seat belts. Clela M. Braastad, 81, Long Prairie, Minn.; Austin L. Casey, 7, Grantsburg; Donna G. Casey, 57, St. Croix Falls and the driver, Raymond J. Casey were transported to Burnett Medical Center. Gordon A. Braastad had no apparent injuries. – Sherill Summer with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

This vehicle was severely damaged in a two-vehicle accident east of Grantsburg on July 5. A 12-year-old girl was flown to a Twin Cities area hospital, and four others transported to Burnett Medical Center for treatment. Kayla is reportedly h ome recuperating. – Photo submitted by Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

State of Minnesota agrees to pay part of legal fees ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Health has agreed to pay massage therapist LaRae Lundeen Fjellman $5,800 of the aproximately $13,000 in attorneys’ fees and expenses she incurred in the course of the department’s investiation and discimplinary action against her. For almost three years, the department investigated Mrs. Fjellman, formerly of Frederic, and threatened her with discipline for entering into a personal relationship with and marrying a former client within two years of ending their professional relationship. Among other things, the department had initially ordered her not to have sex with any “former client” and to pay a civil penalty.

In February of this year, the department reversed course and rescinded its order for discipline against her. After the disciplinary order was volunteer ACLU-MN rescinded, attornies Robin Wolpert and Mark Johnson applied for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses pursuant to the Minnesota Equal Access to Justice Act. “We are glad that the state has finally agreed to pay a portion of the attorneys’ fees whch had financially shattered Mrs. Fjellman during her threeACLU-MN year ordeal,” said Executive Director Charles Samuelson. “It’s a daunting task to take on a governmental agency like the Department of Health,” said Mrs. Fjellman. “The department has so many resources and

so much power that it can wield against the common folk in the name of public safety - but when it makes a mistake, like it did in my case, it can destroy the lives of innocent people. I am disappointed that I could not recover all the money I had to spend, but I’m happy overall with the settlement, and so thankful for all the great work of our attorneys.” Although the settlement agreement concludes the disciplinary matter, the ACLU-MN remains convinced that the underlying law is unconstitutional and will be reviewing the options for addressing the issue. - with information from the ACLU

Sisters take the stage

Sisters Connie Magnuson of Webster and Cathie Burnett of Siren had the best seats in the house during a Little Texas concert on Rice Lake’s Main Street as part of the annual Aquafest celebration in mid-June. The sisters bid on a chair as part of a cancer fundraiser and won for $125. The deal included sitting onstage during the band’s performance and a chance for a photo/autograph opportunity afterwards. Other chairs were auctioned off for the other bands performing, including Restless Heart and Blackhawk, and overall the auction raised $2,125. Band members wandered over to the girls during the performance as they played. “We were told we couldn’t attack the band members,” Magnuson joked. “It was just a great time.” - Photos courtesy Little Texas publicity dept. INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin A cooperative-owned newspaper, the Inter-County Leader is published every Wednesday by the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Second Class postage paid at Frederic, WI 54837.

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Baby Clara, the daughter of Nick and Andrea Lundquist of Frederic, is at home after spending several days Children’s Hospital in St. Paul after being struck by a softball during the Frederic Family Days softball tournament at Coon Lake Park. She sustained a fractured skull and was airlifted to Children’s where she was in intensive care. She is doing well, according to a letter to the editor from her parents and grandparents in this week’s Leader. Her story is also on caringbridge.com. - special photo


Briefly ST. CROIX FALLS – Movie theater patrons at St. Croix Falls were in the middle of their popcorn Sunday afternoon when they were told that the tornado warning sirens were sounding outside the theater. Despite the potential danger, most chose to stay put and finish the movie, perhaps taking the title of one of the films to heart: “Live Free or Die Hard.” The Polk and Burnett county area was under a severe thunderstorm warning for most of the afternoon and while no tornadoes were reported, high winds caused damage in the Amery area, knocking down trees. ••• MADISON - In June, 56 people died in 55 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. In terms of traffic deaths, June 2007 is tied with June 1999 as the fifth-safest month of June on Wisconsin roads since World War II. The safest month of June was in 1946 with 45 traffic fatalities, and the deadliest June was in 1956 with 115 fatalities. - from the DOT ••• POLK COUNTY - Polk County residents should beware of traveling salesmen who are actually con men, warns Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore. It’s the time of year when these type of scams are attempted, Moore said. An elderly man in Polk County was recently scammed after a man stopped by his home on July 4 trying to sell driveway seal coating. The man used five cans of sealer that normally cost about $25 each to seal coat the driveway, and then charged the elderly man $2,500. The family stopped the check, but then the con man returned to the home and negotiated a different price with the elderly man, managing to obtain a check for $1,200, which he immediately cashed. The sheriff described incidents occurring in the towns of Georgetown and Johnstown. “Do business locally with people who are in the phone book,” warned Moore. – Julie Holmquist ••• FREDERIC - The Frederic Area Historical Society will be holding a white elephant sale on Saturday, Sept. 1. The society is currently accepting donations for the event. Please, no clothing or computers. Call Ken at 715-327-8445 or Betty at 715-327-8060. The historical society will pick up donated goods and all proceeds go to the Frederic Depot. - submitted ••• ST. CROIX FALLS - The seventh-annual Wannigan Days Talent Show will be held Thursday, July 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the scenic overlook in downtown St. Croix Falls. Eagle Valley Bank is sponsoring the event and donating $800 in prize money. Persons wishing to take part should contact Bont Chiropractic at 715-483-3913. Registration is limited so call early. - submitted

w w w. t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

First woman/ from page 1 Shell Lake School and later to Oak Grove School. The oldest permanent home in the area was that of John Doyle Taylor and his wife Magie Skinaway. In the family were Josephine, her brother George, and their half-brother Heenon. She married George Winters in 1926 and moved to the Sand Lake community in 1938 after the 1934 Reorganization Act resulted in land grants to the St. Croix Tribe. They later bought a place on the Clam River near Lynches Bridge and built a new house. [The information on the early life of Josephine Taylor-Winters was drawn from “The Native American,” a book written by tribal elder Lolita Taylor that was published in

JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Village to borrow $400,000 for projects Negotiating for two properties within new TID

by Gary King FREDERIC - Trustees approved a recommendation by Village Administrator Dave Wondra this week to borrow $400,000 for interim financing of projects for the village’s new Tax Incremental Finance district and for capital projects the board approved last October. Present at the regular monthly meeting Monday were village president Phil Knuf, trustees Jamie Worthington, William Johnson, IV, Kay Friberg, John Boyer, Maria Ammend and deputy clerk/treasurer Kristi Vossen. Absent was trustee Brad Harlander and clerk/treasurer Marilyn Sederlund. Wondra explained that the village will be retiring nearly $400,000 from it’s current $1.4 million debt load by 2012 and that Bremer Bank in Frederic is offering a locked rate of 4.97 percent. “Money is relatively inexpensive at this time,” he said. Last fall the board approved a boardwalk project at the park, the purchase of a front-end loader and various street projects. Coupled with the potential expenditures for development of the TIF district, tapping the general fund for such expenditures isn’t recommended, he noted. The interest rate offered the village can only be guaranteed for the next 20 days and Wondra said a resolution would need to be passed within that time. The board, via a unanimous voice vote, supported Wondra’s recommendation. ••• Board members have been in negotiation with Gene and Eunice Early to

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purchase a 140- by 140-foot lot across from Bremer Bank on Hwy. 35, formerly Early’s service station and a cabinet shop. The lot lies within the new TIF district. Trustees discussed further the potential purchase in closed session Monday. Trustees have also been in negotiation with one of their own board members, Kay Friberg, for possible purchase of the former feed mill building downtown, which also lies within the boundaries of the new TIF district. The planning commission recommended to the board earlier this summer to agree to Friberg’s suggestion to discuss purchasing the building. Although there was no discussion of this topic at Monday’s meeting, Friberg confirmed on Tuesday that he’s offered to sell the building, which he purchased a year ago, to the village. He said he has stepped back from being a part of any board discussion on the matter to prevent any perceived conflict of interest. “I’d love to work with the village the best I can,” he said. He added that if a sale does not work out he would likely operate it as a feed mill again. A fire that destroyed an addition to the feed mill in February of this year ended any activity at the building, Friberg said, as he was ordered by a state fire marshal to not do anything with the building until it was inspected for safety. ••• At Monday’s meeting Wondra reported that the budget - halfway through the fiscal year - is on target. He reviewed some budget items, including a request from the park board for approximately $5,000 more to fix some unforseen drainage problems at the softball field being built at the lot which

houses the ice skating rink. There is unused money in the budget for the park board, he noted, that can be used to cover that cost. The park board is also trying to raise funds for a skateboard park that would fit inside the hockey rink during the summer months and be removed during the winter. Wondra said he’s spoken to a local community organization about a $250 donation to purchase some crosswalk signs that would be placed on Hwy. 35 throughout most of the village. He also said he received a letter from the Wisconsin Police Association requesting earlier negotiation - prior to finalization of the budget - for a new contract for one of the village police officers. The two-year contract for the officer expires Dec. 31, he said. Wondra reported that the village crew is working to prevent erosion near Coon Lake in two spots - one just off Birch Street on the west side of the lake, which requires some fill - and one on the east side near the trails and paths. “It’s not real serious but we don’t want it to get out of control,” he said. He also said there’s been some concern expressed about whether there’s a need to keep the five or six street lights on the east end of Coon Lake, in the park, on all night long. There’s also a concern about faulty automatic switches on those lights. The new boardwalk, which will involve a walkway along the south side of the lake, will need two lights and there has been talk about possibly using solar power for those lights. Other items presently being worked on, Wondra noted, are a mapping system, a street grading system and updating of policies for the village.

More than knee-high

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Tribe’s lawyer among candidates for judge seat BARRON COUNTY – General counsel for the St. Croix Tribe, Howard Bichler, is one of four men and two women who have applied for the position of Barron County District Court Judge, according to the Rice Lake Chronotype. Bichler, of Rice Lake, has been the tribe’s general counsel for many years. Other candidates are James Babbitt of Chetek, Barron County assistant district attorney; Tim Doyle of Rice Lake, from the law firm Thrasher, Doyle, Pelish and Franti; Michael O’Brien of Eau Claire, Division of Hearings and Appeals administrative law judge; Martha Heidt of Mondovi, private practice attorney; and Mary Schanning, city attorney for West Bend. Gov. Jim Doyle will make the appointment to replace Edward Brunner who will leave the post next month after serving in his position as county judge for 18 years. He ran unopposed and won earlier this year a seat on the 3rd District Court of Appeals in Wausau. His replacement will begin serving upon appointment and will complete the term ending July 31, 2008. He or she will be required to run for re-election in spring 2008. – with information from the Rice Lake Chronotype

Paul Hansen of Luck is shown in one of his West Denmark cornfields on July 4. Normally “knee-high by the Fourth of July” is considered a good start for corn in northern Polk County. – Photo by Kathy Johansen


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PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Village board holds first evening meeting by Nancy Jappe SIREN – The Siren Village Board held its first evening meeting Thursday, July 5. Evening meetings starting at 6:30 p.m. will be held for the next two months, and then a decision will be made regarding continuing them. Neal Erickson and Steve Young took advantage of the evening hour to attend the meeting. “I commend the board for holding meetings at a later time. I am looking forward for these to continue,” Erickson commented. “I got the village meetings changed to allow Siren taxpayers to attend and take part in the direction the village is going,” said recently elected board member Herb Howe. “If anyone has a problem or suggestion for improving the village, it can be put on the meeting agenda for the next meeting by calling the office (at 715-349-2273).” Under public comments, Erickson asked that one of the board members make a motion that, on the tax statements, people would get a complete listing of the taxes of every individual in the village, such as is being done in the

Siren Village President Janet Hunter looks over newspaper clippings about local libraries that she had received. “Whoever sent (the articles) evidently wants the village to have a library,” Hunter commented. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

townships and adjoining villages. As this was not an agenda item, the board will not be able to consider Erickson’s request until next month’s meeting. Village President Janet Hunter received an envelope of newspaper clippings about area libraries, apparently from someone who would like to see a library in the village. Hunter has talked to school district administrator Scott Johnson about the possibility of opening the school library to village residents. “He is willing to talk about the situation,” she reported. Village administrator Randy Surbaugh praised the village crew, Mike Bentley and Police Chief Chris Sybers for the extra effort they made during the Main Street project. He also mentioned Lilac Press, creators of “Seasons Without Shade,” the tornado memory book, the group that donated trees for the project. Surbaugh brought up the need for an extra-length dock for the waterski show during Summerfest in August. Police Chief Sybers told the board that the Frederic and St. Croix Tribal police

departments helped out in the village July 4. “Everything went so well it was scary,” Sybers said. He reported on there being more people this year than last year, and that having the Fourth in the middle of the week was a good thing. The board took action to: Approve a revised MSA contract for wastewater treatment plant construction and other sewer utility work; Authorize the Roads and Streets Committee to review and accept proposals for street right-ofway surveying, topographic survey and preliminary engineering for Third and Fourth avenues; Allocate $7,500 in TIF funds for East Main Street maintenance work; Pay application #3 for the Main Street project; Contract with Benson Law Office for services related to the sewer-system upgrade and financing. Board of review will be held Thursday, July 19, starting at 2 p.m.

Woods, Waters and Wildlife Conference scheduled for July 21

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Good news for bird, water and wildlife enthusiasts – the first-annual Burnett County Woods, Waters and Wildlife Conference is scheduled for July 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including lunch, at Webster High School. Four breakout sessions are scheduled each hour. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for youth. The conference is sponsored by UWExtension, Burnett County Land, Water and Conservation Department, Burnett County Lakes and Rivers Association and the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association. The noontime keynote speech will be given by Chris Cold, DNR wildlife technician based out of Ladysmith. The title of Cold’s speech is “Wildlife and Your Land.” In addition to talking about people, land and wildlife, Cold will be bringing some raptors to show to the audience. Author/ornithologist (bird expert) Laura Erickson, one of the presenters, is no stranger to Burnett County. She was the keynote speaker at the grand opening of the Great Wisconsin Birding Trail at Crex Meadows several years ago. Erickson’s new book, “101 Ways to Help Birds,” is just off the press. In the book Erickson sets out more than 100 things the public can do to ensure the survival of birds, such as making windows collision proof, choosing fuel-efficient cars and buying duck stamps. She was reached for a telephone interview recently from her home in Duluth, Minn. “I’ve loved birds since I was a baby,” Erickson started out. “I grew up in Chicago near the Chicago River. My first memory was of the raising of the drawbridge over the river. I would watch the drawbridge go up and all the pigeons fly away. I memorized the

Laura Erickson, writer/producer of the radio program “For the Birds,” will be one of the presenters at the first-annual Burnett County Woods, Waters and Wildlife Conference to be held at Webster High School Saturday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the purpose of the conference is to help people understand, enjoy and become good stewards of our natural resources. entire encyclopedia on birds in a volume found at the grocery story. There was a big crack in the spine because of the opening of the pages related to birds.” Erickson recently earned the Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, an award that was given for significant contributions to Wisconsin ornithology. Erickson started writing while she was living in Madison during the time her husband was working on his doctorate degree. She was an elementary school teacher, a member of the

Audubon Society and freelance writing about birds for the Wisconsin State Journal. Magazine articles for Wisconsin Trails led to Erickson’s writing several books that were well received by the public. Erickson has been writing/producing the radio program “For the Birds” for the past 21 years. She first prepared three radio scripts, bringing them to the person in charge of broadcasting. Shows using those scripts were recorded right away, and Erickson iPod-casts shows from her Web site, lauraerickson.com, to KUMD in Duluth, WOJB in Hayward and WXTR in Rhinelander. She reaches listeners from as far away as Japan and Australia. While people in those countries don’t have the same birds as are found in the United States, they are interested in news about birds. “I try to make the stories interesting, and make birds come alive to nonbirding audiences,” Erickson. “A lot of time, people like birds even if they never see them. I write about birds. I speak about them. I make my living doing that. “The most important thing,” Erickson went on to say, “is that every one of us in our daily lives can enjoy birds, and we can do little things that make the world better for birds. I have found, by more research, that every single thing that helps birds also helps humans.” In helping humans, Erickson used as example cutting down or back on excessive use of pesticides. “We are only beginning to appreciate pesticides as disrupters for our own bodies,” she said. “Every place where I have sprayed to eliminate mosquitoes, in a very short time, the mosquitoes become resistant. Also, I have wiped out dragonflies that eat mosquitoes.” Managing forests, preserving loons on the lakes, understanding timber harvest, wood ducks up close, frogs in your

Chris Cold, a DNR wildlife technician based in Ladysmith, will be the keynote speaker for the Burnett County Woods, Waters and Wildlife Conference Saturday, July 21, at Webster High School. In addition to speaking, Cold will be bringing raptors to show to the audience. – Photos submitted face, managing your land for game and nongame species and fishing tips for kids are subjects included in the other breakout sessions for what promises to be a day to be remembered. Registration can be made online at http://go.communityseason.com/?got o=uwex or by sending a check to John Haack, UW-Extension, Ag Research Station, W6646 Highway 70, Spooner 54801. For further information, contact UW-Extension at 715-349-2151.

Obey applauds VA decision to help state expand the Northern Wisconsin Memorial Cemetery in Spooner

$622,580 federal grant awarded by VA to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey, D-WI, this week applauded the award of a $622,580 federal grant by the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs to the state of Wisconsin to expand the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. “We have an obligation to honor and respect our veterans - in life and in death,” said Obey. “That’s why we’re working to provide the VA the largest funding increase ever next year, and why I’m glad to see the VA doing its part to help us honor our Northwoods

veterans.” The grant will pay for the construction of 460 full-casket burial sites, 444 in-ground cremation burial sites, 704 columbarium niches, a memorial walkway, a storage building, utilities, landscaping and irrigation. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA Web site on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by call-

ing VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800827-1000. Information about Wisconsin’s veterans cemeteries can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs at dva.state.wi.us/Cemeteries.asp or 608261-0179. – from the office of Congressman Obey


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Centuria Village Board continues discussion of industrial park by Matt Blumkin CENTURIA – Disucssion by the Centuria Village Board regarding the village’s industrial park continued on July 9 with little resolution. Dave Rassmussen from MSA presented the board with figures for taking on MSA for improving the village’s industrial park. The board expressed concerns regarding taking them on as contractor

since Polk County is in the process of hiring a planner. The village would save up to $5,000 unofficially in going with the county according to village clerktreasurer Judith Jepsen. Rassmussen, however, anticipated 18 months for the project while the county would take 30 months according to Jepsen. The board decided to hold off making a decision on who would be the

planner for the industrial park project until the August meeting. In other business: Village trustee Dave Markert reported a successful book sale at Memory Days in the library board report. The Centuria Women’s Softball League had a temporary beer license approved by the board for July 27-29.

Jen Carlson, Timothy Bossart and Julia Delougherty all had operator licenses approved by the board. Skip Lutgen will be able to operate a mobile home court after the board approved a license transfer from Jack and Shirley Nelson.

Denial plea entered in fatal car crash; new judge to be assigned by Regan Kohler WASHBURN COUNTY — A 14-yearold female minor pled denial Tuesday morning in the case of the vehicular death of Mary Sienko, 55, Spooner. The incident involved a car crash, in which the minor, driving with two others, crashed into Sienko’s vehicle at the corner of Dock Lake Road and CTH A, Thursday, June 28. Evergreen, According to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department report, Sienko was pronounced dead on the scene by the county coroner. The minor and one passenger were injured but released right away, while

another passenger in the vehicle was airlifted to St. Mary’s, Duluth, Minn. The minor was charged in juvenile court with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree reckless injury, in addition to taking and operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. She was found not to be under any substances during the accident, but the seriousness of the charges mean she could be tried in adult court. On Monday, July 2, a temporary physical custody request was heard, in which the girl was sent to Northwest Regional Detention Center, Eau Claire. Though the girl’s attorney at the time

said he felt she wouldn’t be a threat at that time and should stay with her mother, District Attorney J. Michael Bitney reasoned that the girl’s history and potential of being a flight risk should be taken into consideration. Her custody was determined by Judge Eugene Harrington after her former juvenile intake officer gave a testimonial. In the testimonial, the officer said that her client told her she was unable to stop at the stop sign when the car accident occurred. Her officer said she believed the girl should be held in secure custody due to her history. Tuesday, July 10, a plea of denial was

entered. In juvenile court, minors can only admit to or deny an incident. The minor’s attorney, Owen Williams, received copies of petitions for the girl to be tried as an adult and for a waiver of jurisdiction. Harrington then recused himself from the case, as he said there was a conflict of interest with him knowing the victim’s family and also the girl’s history. Harrington said the minor was entitled to an unbiased trial, which may not happen if he presides. A new judge will be assigned to the case by next week.

Preparing inmates for life beyond bars STATEWIDE - Ninety-seven percent of the more than 20,000 people currently in Wisconsin prisons will eventually be released. The state Department of Corrections has designed a new curriculum for them. The DOC’s new curriculum will offer all inmates the chance to start looking for jobs, housing and health care providers before they walk out the prison gates. Ex-offender and former drug addict Tamra Oman of Madison works with released prisoners through

the group Voices Beyond Bars. She says the best part of the new initiative is the DOC’s willingness to work with groups like hers to make sure prisoners don’t see it as just another effort to control them. She says those who have been in prison know what was missing in prison and “on the way out the door.” She says the biggest difficulty will be for prisoners and offenders to buy into the program. She says it’s another Department of Corrections program, and that’s why she’s pushed for her

group to be part of the process. Partnerships with community groups will be crucial to the curriculum’s success according to the DOC’s Mary Kay Kolot, the head of the department’s reentry programs. She says by strengthening those partnerships, they continue to educate the community about why it’s important that offenders are prepared for successful re-entry. She says by holding offenders accountable and giving them a chance to succeed, it will be strengthening the safety of the state’s

communities. Kolot says the department will fund implementation of the new curriculum by redirecting current resources. Some prison reform advocates are skeptical of the prison system’s ability to do that, pointing to the long waiting lists for drug treatment programs which are also crucial for preparing prisoners to go home. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Gil Halsted)


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C O U N T Y

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County celebates first drug and alcohol court graduation by Nancy Jappe BURNETT COUNTY – Thelma “Cece” Mitchell graduated from Burnett County Drug and Alcohol Court Friday morning, July 6. She was the first graduate of the year-old program. A packed room of people, including 11 still involved with the program, waited to congratulate her at the Burnett County Government Center. “I fought to be on this program. I wrote letters, and spoke to my probation officer (about it),” Mitchell said. “I believed it would make a difference in other offenders not having to go back through the revolving door (to jail). I wrote to people at the Lac Courte Oreilles Outreach about drug court. I decided to continue my education, and I was going to be the first graduate.” Prior to entering drug court, Mitchell was in and out of jail, going through the revolving door herself. She decided to pay the consequences. Her probation officer told her about getting into drug and alcohol court. “I knew I wanted to be a part of this,” she said. Mitchell has a job in the slot department at the Little Turtle Hertel Express. As a part of her drug court participation, she has gone out to speak to school children about the dangers of using drugs. An alumni group is being formed, and Mitchell will be a part of that continuing effort. “A group of (professionals) got together, saying ‘We have got a problem, and we have got to address it,’” Burnett County Judge Mike Gableman said during the graduation ceremony. “We could not have asked for a better first participant. Thelma came with the mental, physical and spiritual commitment that she was going to beat this thing. She had a solid commitment, and she has done everything we have asked her to do.” “This is not the end of Mitchell’s participation,” the judge continued. “She has committed to continue participation with drug court, establishing an alumni group and having ongoing communication with that group, acting as liaison between the court and team and continuing public presentations (about the dangers of drugs).” The judge traced the history of drug and alcohol court and its start with zero funding. Funding became available

Thelma “Cece” Mitchell’s daughter, Andrea Milek’s, baby is due Aug. 10. Mitchell, the first graduate of the Burnett County Drug and Alcohol Court, fought to be a part of this program. Her goal was to straighten out her life to be able to enjoy time with Andrea and the new baby.

vidual treatment plan is written and updated as necessary. Each participant is required to get alcohol/drug abuse treatment. They are required to find employment and stay financially accountable. Periodic urinalysis tests are mandated as is a minimum of two hours a month spent in community service and attendance at a minimum of two community self-help groups each week. In addition, each participant must have an Alcoholic Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous sponsor. Participants may be expelled or suspended from the program if a violent offense is committed or if inadequate progress is being made. The drug and alcohol court concept was based on a program developed in Miami, Fla., in 1989. The concept has proved to be an effective treatment strategy for drug- and alcohol-involved criminal offenders, and there are now 1,500 programs operating across the nation. According to drug and alcohol court literature, Wisconsin prison incarceration can cost approximately $30,000 a year per offender. Burnett County averages $7,000 a year for each drug and alcohol court participant.

later by way of $150,000 from the state Department of Corrections. Gableman praised the idea of everyone working together to address a common problem, recognizing their interdependence on one another. He stressed that alcohol and drug treatment is a mental health and a law enforcement issue, not one or the other, and that the governor was called upon to respond to an unprecedented methamphetamine epidemic. The judge said that there are two ways out for meth offenders – death or participation in drug and alcohol court. The mission of Burnett County Drug and Alcohol Court is to reduce substance abuse and criminal behavior and, in so doing, improve the lives of the offenders, their families and the community. Drug and alcohol court provides intensive court supervision and drug treatment while at the same time holding offenders accountable for their criminal behavior. Participation is voluntary. An indi-

Smiles were on the faces of Thelma “Cece” Mitchell and Burnett County Judge Mike Gableman after Mitchell’s graduation as the first participant in BC Drug and Alcohol Court. Mitchell was presented with a framed graduation certificate and her name was added to a plaque that will hang in the Burnett County Government Center. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

“I call myself a pioneer,” commented Thelma “Cece” Mitchell during graduation from Burnett County Drug and Alcohol Court Friday, July 6. “I am determined to show myself and everybody else that change is possible. So many people were disappointed with me, and I wanted a better life. I know (life) will be easier because I have the tools and people I need.”

Freshmen will have their day at Grantsburg High School by Carl Heidel GRANTSBURG - It will be freshmen only on Sept. 4 when Grantsburg High School begins its 2007-2008 school year if the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction grants a waiver request from the Grantsburg School Board. The board approved the waiver request from Stan Marczak, high school principal, when it met Monday evening. According to Marczak, one focus in the high school this past year has been on transitional issues, and one of those issues is the transition of freshman students into the high school environment. “In order to ease the transition (of freshmen) into the high school,” he said, “the first day of class will consist of freshmen and their mentors. “Students will attend classes, have

small group leadership meetings, work on mentor relationships and will participate in an extracurricular activity seminar,” Marczak said. “The normal concerns freshmen have, lunch procedures, finding lockers, finding classes, meeting teachers, and learning their schedules, will be alleviated by having a freshmanmentor first day.” Marczak said that having freshmen only on the first day of classes would allow administration, teachers and staff to focus all of their attention on these incoming students. “This type of first day will set the stage for student success,” he said. The schedule for the freshmen on that first day will be a full one. Marczak will begin the day by talking to the students about how to have a positive school atti-

tude, and the behavior attitudes which are necessary for success in high school. After students familiarize themselves with daily routines in the morning, they will meet with advisors of various clubs and organizations at the end of the day. This will give them an opportunity to become more familiar with the social activities available to them. “The main purpose of this day is to invite students to be active participants in the school versus the reluctant observer,” Marczak explained. “Research shows (that) when students are more involved in school, they are generally more academically successful.” In other business, the board hired two more teachers. Donna Tietz, a Grantsburg graduate, was hired for the

high school business education position. Matthew Koenen was hired to teach high school social studies. In another personnel issue, the board was informed that an arbitration decision upheld the board’s action in terminating the contract of former teacher Norma Ryan. In other business the board: • set lunch/breakfast prices for the 2007-2008 school year, unchanged from the 2006-2007 school year; • approved student/parent handbooks for all schools in the district; • and approved the policy and operations manual of the Insight Schools of Wisconsin.

Charges against Eau Claire man amended SIREN - Jake D. Parsons 19, Eau Claire, pled guilty this week to two reduced charges of sex with a child 16 or older and fourth-degree sexual assault, both misdemeanor A charges. Parsons was originally charged with sexual contact and sexual intercourse with a child, both second-degree sexual assault, felony C charges. The original charges stem from a Nov. 7, 2006, inci-

dent in the town of Scott. The alleged victim is now 16. Parsons faced up to nine months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine for each of the two charges. Instead, Parsons will serve two consecutive, six-month jail sentences only if he does not fulfill the conditions of his two-year probation. The conditions of probation are court costs of $176, sex

offender evaluation and compliance to any recommendations, a letter of apology to the victim, no contact with the victim and $3,709.73 restitution for counseling and a medical procedure undergone by the victim. Expungement of the charges will be considered after probation is complete. The victim, the father and mother of the victim all read victim impact state-

ments expressing how emotionally and physically draining the experience has been on the victim. That Parsons was a family friend and had camped, sailed and snowmobiled with the victim and the victim’s family over the last 10 years made the incident difficult to endure for all involved. - Sherill Summer


C O U N T Y P O L K H E A D L I N E S

County heads for August strategic planning action by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The July 17 meeting of the Polk County Board may be very short. There are only four resolutions on the agenda for the 6:30 p.m. meeting, and they may be noncontroversial. The meeting will include an overview of the county’s strategic planning process so far in preparation for action on the plan at the August meeting. One resolution that may gain some discussion is a request from the Human Services Department to use $242,000 of their $468,124 operational savings from 2006 to fund some 2007 expenses. The finance committee recently recommended that this resolution be defeated because the books for 2006 are now closed, and the money is not available as an interdepartment transfer. The requested funds would be used for three

purposes: to fund a new position not included in the 2007 budget, to pay for an overage in 2006 expenses and to start building a risk reserve fund. Other resolutions include a revision of the nonmetallic mining ordinance covering the operation of gravel pits. The requested changes to the 27-page 2001 ordinance are mostly technical in nature, according to the Land and Water Resources Department, and will bring the rules into compliance with DNR regulations. The meeting will include reports from the chairs of 10 county governing committees and boards. All Polk County Board meetings include a period for public comments. The meeting, held at the Government Center Building in Balsam Lake, is open to the public.

Polk County proceeding with planning process Planner applicants to be interviewed this week by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – While several municipalities are looking at contracting with private firms to help prepare their comprehensive plans, Polk County is moving ahead with its own plans to hire a planner to prepare a plan for the county and provide the service to any of the 35 municipalities that wish to contract with the county. Sara McCurdy, director of the Land Information Department that will oversee the project, told the Leader that the county will interview nine persons this

Friday for the planner job. The person hired will be an interim-term employee working for the county for a period of three years. The county has received a grant from the state to prepare a county comprehensive or Smart Growth plan and to help the towns, villages, and cities in the county with their plans. The state grant will pay 60 percent of the planning process costs. McCurdy said that four municipalities have already signed on with the county to do the work, and she expects a total of eight to 12 to use the county’s planner. The grant funds are available to municipalities regardless of who does the work.

Developer files lawsuit against DNR over Balsam Lake boardwalk proposal POLK COUNTY - Kraftsman Development Inc. of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit in Polk County Circuit Court against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources calling its decision to deny a permit for a boardwalk and pier project on Balsam Lake “an erroneous interpretation of law.” Kraftsman Development purchased property with 739 feet of Balsam Lake frontage with a plan to construct condominiums with a boardwalk. The boardwalk would contain 16 boat-mooring slips at the end of the boardwalk with access to the lake. The boardwalk was planned to be elevated over a floating bog and would be six feet wide and extend 405 feet over the bog to an area where the lake has a maximum depth of three feet. According to the civil complaint, Kraftsman Development states that the company contacted the DNR prior to purchasing the property and was

assured that the proposed boardwalk was in compliance. The company stated that the DNR assured them that it would not be disallowed by the DNR. Kraftsman then completed the purchase and began the permit process, submitting a permit application on Feb. 2, for the proposed boardwalk and mooring slips. A public hearing was held by the DNR on May 4, where people spoke in opposition and in favor of the project. The DNR denied Kraftsman’s permit application on May 31. Kraftsman calls the DNR decision “arbitrary and capricious,” saying the project will not affect water quality, interfere with public rights on Balsam lake, will not have a significant negative impact to the natural scenic beauty and does not constitute environmental pollution or adversely impact wetlands. – Julie Holmquist

Your News on the Web: www.the-leader.net

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Last week’s question: What are your school-age children spending most of their time doing this summer? 1. Full- or part-time jobs 9 votes 21 percent 2. Playing video games/watching TV 11 votes 26 percent 3. Playing outside 18 votes 42 percent 4. Traveling or attending some kind of camp 5 votes 12 percent This week’s question: How many bottles of water do you purchase each week? 1. None You can take part in our weekly Web poll by logging on 2. 1 to 3 to www.the-leader.net and scrolling to the lower left-hand 3. 5 to 10 portion of the home page 4. More

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK

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For justice

ome good and talented people have challenged Congressman Dave Obey for his job over the last three or four decades, but no one has really landed a serious punch at the polls, so to speak. Obey’s obvious frustration with the “system” is perhaps one of his most popular qualities. He’s not afraid to talk about why things can’t be changed – while fighting for change anyway. His sometimes blunt and even cantankerous oratories among constituents projects what many portray to be refreshing honesty among a field of politicians that measure every syllable. And it’s a sign he cares. According to early reviews, Obey’s humorous side surfaces in his storytelling. So it’s with relish that many will read Obey’s new book, an autobiography entitled “Raising Hell for Justice – The Washington Battles of a Heartland Progressive.” A portrait of Wisconsin’s legendary Sen. Robert La Follette is shown on the cover of the book. One of Obey’s role models, LaFollette believed that every American who works hard should be able to fully share in the bounty of America and so should their families. So the “lunch pail issues” that Obey tackled - or the ones people knew he was attempting to champion - at least somewhat inspired by LaFollette - hit home for many voters. According to biography info on the Web, Obey - as a young man - witnessed some things that he vowed he would change if he ever had a chance, including pollution being produced by a plant where he was working. “I remember taking our 20-minute lunch breaks and sitting on the steps on the back porch at the plant and seeing these huge pipes pour this junk into the Wisconsin River,“ he recalled. “I vowed at the time that if I ever had the chance to do anything to make industry stop using our rivers and streams as liquid dumps I would do it, and we have made some great progress through the years.” Obey said he also remembers visiting his grandmother, who lived on Third Avenue in Wausau, and having to take a rag and wipe off the chairs because they were covered with dust and grime coming out of a smokestack at 3M Company. “Today, that doesn’t happen anymore, and I am proud to have been able to play at least a small role in bringing that progress about.” Partisan politics aside, Obey’s book should certainly raise the curiosity of us all here in Wisconsin with any kind of an interest in our own history and that of one of the more powerful persons in our nation’s Capitol today.

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Ideas for caring weekly...not weakly

n our busy lives, as we sometimes wear many hats, there’s one title we should all be proud to have - caregiver. The Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County are giving us all an opportunity to experience a little more caring - and less worrying about ourselves. The group is currently seeking individuals willing to share some time visiting with seniors and disabled persons in the county. Here’s a few of the requests (see story elsewhere in this issue for others): • A disabled veteran in Clayton would enjoy visiting with another guy on a weekly basis; • A disabled woman in Osceola is looking for someone to “talk and walk” with on a weekly basis One of the goals of the group is to reach out to people in the communities who are homebound. Do you have a few hours each week to give? If so, call 715-483-9263. Interfaith Caregivers gets our vote for making a difference in our day-today lives.

W h e re t o Wr i t e

President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey 7th Congressional District 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 or Wisconsin office: Federal Building Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-District 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Frank Boyle 73rd Assembly District Room 221 North State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708 E-mail: Rep.Boyle@legis.state.wi.us

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd. Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Congressman Ron Kind 3rd Congressional District 1713 Longwirth Office Bdg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5506 888-442-8040 (toll-free) ron.kind@mail.house.gov

N

Holding water

ational news reports this week that, as Americans, we’re hurting the environment by purchasing water in plastic bottles - and then not recycling them. Maybe one of six plastic bottles ends up being recycled, according to one report - and the rest in a landfill, where the plastic can take hundreds - maybe thousands - of years to decompose. First, that news could suggest our recycling program is an immense failure - and maybe we should rethink that “plan” that was endorsed and welcomed by some of us and forced on the rest so many years ago. Second, we feel the media hype forgot to mention the plastic bottles used for soft drinks, etc., which likely have the same success ratio when it comes to recycling. Why is water being singled out? Use and sell more tap water, some are saying. Given the trend for screening what we put in our bodies, that may not be a successful marketing ploy. Besides the mystery of how we have followed a trend to spend more than a dollar in some cases, for eight oz. of water, there’s the question of why more discussion on developing a better biodegradable packaging material hasn’t really taken off. Something that is safe and degrades quickly.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

P o s i t i v e Quote o f t h e w e e k Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat. - Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990) American Publisher

The views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent the views of ICPPA board members or employees

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JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Honest service

Fireworks

During our recent vacation in Webster, our son, Mark Hersant, was in need of repairs on his vehicle. He’s in the Air Force and was visiting the area enroute to his permanent change of station. We called Blue Collar Auto Sales and Service in Siren and spoke to Larry Rand, the owner. Even though he was two men short that day and booked, he said to bring the vehicle in. Parts were ordered and repairs done within a day. This is the second time within two years that Blue Collar Auto has helped our family during a time of true need. People in Burnett County are fortunate to have the skilled and honest service of Larry Rand and his staff.

And it’s late in the evening and the whole family is in bed and suddenly the “whump” of a heavy mortar is heard. Incoming!! Oh it’s only the folks on the lake over our hill again. Blasts and explosions and illegal fireworks going off again and again and again every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Our windows are open to the cooling breeze of the evening and so the sound and the flash intrudes and wakes us all up for a few hours while the folks on the lake have their fun. The next day when it’s time to get up (5 to 6 a.m.), we awake a bit groggy and a bit crabby from disturbed early REM sleep. I wonder at it all and think as to when this all began, when our peaceful valley lost its tranquility and the invasion started. I am frankly puzzled as to the lure of the nighttime explosions and at times am a bit crabby about the illegality of it all as well. I have called the sheriff and am told that no officers are dispatched until 11:30 p.m. We turn in around nine. I know they have more pressing issues in law enforcement, but I am disturbed by the flaunting of the law in this matter. Perhaps our former sheriff had it correct when he stood for the letter of the law regarding fireworks? Does anyone have a solution to the noise (and attendant fire danger)? I am at a loss. I have been befriending the “lake folks” and have had some nice talks with them about this. Nice folks, really, good people. They just want to have fun on their vacation. I venture to guess it is just an attitude and we know we cannot legislate or enforce attitudes. I would love to see the fireworks business disappear altogether, I don’t see the point of selling something illegally to be used illegally.

Thank you and God bless, The Family of Charles and Alice Hersant Enterprise, Ala.

Needed: volunteers Each summer for the past several years, the Frederic Depot/Museum has edged closer and closer to not having enough volunteers to keep the museum open on weekends and holidays. Already there have been days when the museum has not opened because no one is available to serve as guides. These days have been few, but if the current trend continues, it may become the standard. Rest assured that the museum will be closed at some time in the future unless more volunteers are found or some other way is found to keep the museum open. The fact is, there currently are about 10 people who volunteer and they take the burden for keeping the museum open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the 36 days of the summer. Currently, the museum is open in two shifts. One shift runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the other runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. This is a total of 200 volunteer hours. For the current 10 people, bless them every one, their summer weekends are filled with volunteer work, managing to keep the museum open for the most part, which leaves very little time for a life of their own, and this should not be and should not be expected of anyone. This is being brought to your attention because you may not know that there is a problem with maintaining this minimum time that the museum is open. Most people seem to think that the museum is a good thing for the Frederic area, and many people have given financially to the Frederic Area Historical Society over the years for supporting museum activities. Volunteering though, is a horse of a different color. Maybe this problem is a test of sorts, relative to whether or not people in the Frederic area really want the museum to stay open on weekends in the summer, and this letter to the editor is a vehicle to find out. If this is the case, you can vote on the issue by volunteering or not volunteering. If you can spare time even for one shift during the summer months, 2-5 hours, it will help if enough people sign up. If interested, call Ken Java at 715327-8445 or Betty Fenton at 715-327-8060 for details. Ken Java, president Betty Fenton, public relations director Frederic

Norm and Julie Peterson Trade Lake

Overwhelming Wow! We just want to express our gratitude to everyone for their overwhelming support during our daughter and granddaughter’s recent stay at St. Paul Children’s Hospital. It was amazing to see all the love and concern sent baby Clara’s way. It just goes to show what living in a small community really means . . . so, thanks so much to all of you who helped out in any way. Clara is home and doing well. We would appreciate keeping her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to heal. Nick and Andrea Lundquist Bryan and Lori Lundquist Frederic

America is broken Never in my seven-plus decades have I witnessed our nation in such chaotic straits domestically and abroad. Virtually none of our Constitutionally established socio-cultural constructs are functioning effectively. Our national character, international image and selfesteem are in freefall. Even during the stresses of the Great Depression, World War II, the anxiety of the Cold War, assassinations and social turmoil of the 60s, Watergate and the resignation of the president have we endured the critical leadership void and incompetence in governance we’re

experiencing today. Our Republic is in decline of will, purpose and courage verging on complete disintegration. September 11 is not the cause or a rational excuse. The event of that day was a result of a fundamental unraveling of our social, political and cultural fabric and a rejection of what America has come to represent to much of the rest of the world. The terrorists symbolically attacked our collective materialism and international elitism, apathetic, self-righteousness and cultural decay. They told us much of the global community had enough, and they spit in our face in a most insulting possible manner. The Bush presidency is nothing more than a really bad joke. The Republican administration is grossly mismanaged, corrupt and without credibility with the American people or anyone else in the world. The infamy of Guantanamo and AbuGreb will blight our image worldwide for years to come. Domestic and foreign policy are in shambles. Nearly 70 percent of the American people disapprove of the course we’re on. Republican or Democratically controlled, Congress is hopelessly impotent. Save for a few like Russ Feingold and Dave Obey, our national representatives are completely out of touch with the common people of this country. The pragmatic, compassionate activism, idealism and vision that once inspired and motivated our elected officials is gone. Political and self-enhancing special interests, absence of courage and cynicism characterize the governance process. The Washington bureaucracy is a bewildering, nightmarish, multilayered, duplicating structure of overlapping agencies mired in buck-passing and infighting. Try applying for a passport. We are now trapped in a meaningless, fruitless war in the Middle East, and no one in Washington has the guts to admit it and do anything about it. With this illconceived undertaking we have squandered any international goodwill and respect we once had. Our military capacity has been dangerously depleted. Beyond the superficial bravado, morale is in the pits. General officers are finally, justifiably rebelling against the mindless, arrogant, neo-con civilian leadership that got us into the debacle. Someone name for me a single domestic program that works with any degree of practical or economic efficiency. How about health care for all citizens - we’re near the bottom of the list among western countries? How about environmental protection, energy conservation, rational immigration criteria, veterans care, monopoly of big oil and gas pricing, a skyrocketing debt and gross imbalance of foreign trade tax breaks for the wealthiest, international outsourcing for cheap labor, the continuing dysfunction of our educational system, human services and social programs? Certain European, Far Eastern and some Third World countries do a much better job looking after their people than does the U.S.A. today. Let’s be real, America is broken. And, I for one, a pragmatic optimist, do not see that we have the collective will to fix it. Contemplate with me! Something has gone missing in our country over the past 30 years. We no longer seek the highest and the best in ourselves. We’ve lost touch with a concept of patriotic pride and civic responsibility. Fewer and fewer are motivated to perform public or military service as an inherent obligation of good citizenship. We hire our armies and desperate border-crossers to do our nasty, risky

c o o p e r a t i v e - o w n e d

work. Flagrantly obese, bloated with “stuff,” self-indulgent, obsessed and preoccupied with toys, high-tech junk, Internet and TV nonsense, artificial heroes and faux celebrity, we ignore the rest of the world. Pop culture has supplanted the serious consideration and appreciation of fine art, quality literature; and music, history and empirical science. I believe the majority of Americans today, particularly the young, are basically unaware and make very, very few real sacrifices. The exercise of critical thinking has become unique in our culture and political discourse. The popular phrase “Get ‘er done” reflects a dumbing down mentality and intellectually vapid approach to problem solving and personal behavior. Fueled by irresponsible sensational journalism, shock-talk extremism and obscenity, we’ve lost our self-respect and respect for one another. We don’t know how to laugh anymore unless it’s sexist, racist or downright vulgar. The erosion of a sense of personal honor and courage of conviction, the absence of common courtesy, the degradation of historical human values are symptomatic of the pervasive rotting destroying our national dignity and spirit. There is no religious quick fix as the evangelicals would like us to believe, nor is there a political savior on the horizon, right or left. The internal malignancy is already metastasizing because we choose to ignore the symptoms. And, until we take a hard look at ourselves individually and as a nation, do some heartwrenching introspection and self-appraisal and admit as a chemically dependent person, we must have a potentially mortal problem, the grand hopes and dreams our forefathers held for us will surely be shattered. The terrorists won’t bring America down; were doing a pretty good job all by ourselves. Bradley E. Ayers Frederic-Clam Falls Somers Lake

E-mail your letters to: the-leader@centurytel.net

Library is a busy place FREDERIC – The Frederic Public Library was busy in the months of May and June, according to Librarian Chris Byerly, who gave her monthly report to village trustees, Monday evening. Byerly reported that the library now has an electronic counter to help her better judge the number of patrons who use library services. She said from the beginning of May to the end of June well over 7,000 people used the library. That works out to 29 people an hour, she said. The summer months also make a difference, she noted, as the number of tourists increases and people return from their winter homes down south. Byerly said the library is in the midst of offering summer reading programs and special public evening programs to be held over the next five weeks, including a program by a magician. “We’re doing as much as we can to reach out to the public,” she said. “And things are going well at the library.” – Gary King

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L e a d e r S t a f f Sitting in bed in the early morning,

Birds – a joy of rural living

first cup of coffee in hand, watching the birds flitter and flutter around and finally light on one of the feeders outside the nearby window – that’s where I can be found most every day of the week. It’s well worth the effort to forego those few extra moments of sleep to be entertained by our feathered population. husband My and a good friend Nancy went to the trouble of cutting a Jappe window into the back side of our bedroom wall to provide this lookout, one of the best investments, aside from central air conditioning, that we have made to our surroundings. The bed is parallel to the window, and the electric coffeepot is on the bookshelf underneath the window. That’s the setup for long moments of delightful bird watching. Finches, red poles, hummingbirds, cardinals, chickadees, red-wing blackbirds. grosbeaks, mourning doves, nuthatches (the birds that feed upside down), blue jays, quails, robins and a

Refugee population

BARRON - Barron’s population of Somali refugees is expected to grow considerably in the coming months, as several families that were once separated become united again. Kaye Thompson of Barron County Public Health said that refugees from war-torn Somalia constitute an estimated 10 percent of Barron’s population. But that percentage is expected to grow. “We’re getting more Somali refugees all the time,” she said. Unlike earlier waves of refugees, tending to include the heads of households, now family members that were originally left behind in Somalia are making the trek to America. Thompson said there is a 19-point process individuals must go through before they are accepted into the United States as a refugee. One of the crucial steps in the process is finding a sponsor. Thompson said that Catholic Charities provide most of the sponsorships for this area. Catholic Charities reported that they expect to bring in a total of 38 families this year, Thompson said. Many are waiting for flights and other arrangements to be made before relocating to the United States. Of the 38 families expected to move into the Barron area, most will likely arrive in the

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wide variety of sparrows put in regular appearances. This year, three colorful pairs of Baltimore orioles seem to consider this their choice of fine restaurants, feeding on the brightly colored liquid in several hanging feeders. The hummers will invade the orioles’ fare, even though they have their own smaller feeders to tap. We watch the workings of the birdpecking order, with the obviously dominant birds unhesitatingly chasing other birds away. We see the birds watching so carefully for other invaders as they sit on the feeders and nibble on their contents. We also see that some of the birds prefer feeders that are close to the trees, not out in the open where they can be easily seen by predators. Occasionally, we will have to call out to the cat to remind him that he’s one of the bird predators, and had better get away from the feeders. There’s a bird bath in the nearby garden, and we have learned how important having fresh water at hand is to birds. They delight in jumping around in the bird bath, just like children do when they have a chance to run under a sprinkler on a hot day. My husband has been experimenting with the bird feeders. At first, he faced the problem of making them squirrel proof. This is almost impossible, which you’ll know if you’ve ever tried it. Last year he had one going that looked like

a space ship all ready for liftoff, with metal arms sticking out in all directions. That particular model didn’t last too long, but it surely was interesting to look at. This year’s creation, which you will see in the picture included with this column, is another of his creations. Living in a rural area, we have to contend with bears roaming the hillside behind our house. Bears plus seeds and sweet liquid equal problems and the need to either do away with the feeders in the nonhibernation season or take the feeders in at night. Taking the feeders in at night was our choice. The new feeder has a flat top surface divided into areas for several different

A re a n e w s a t a g l a n c e

fall, although one family just arrived last week. The families tend to range in size from one to 12 people, but a family 15 strong arrived approximately one month ago. New arrivals must go through a health screening process, Thompson said. One of the ailments looked for is tuberculosis. Dealing with medical issues in the refugee population is something local health care providers are getting better at with time, said Luther Midelfort Northland clinic nursing director Cindy Misselt. – Barron News-Shield

New hospital planned

LADYSMITH - Rusk County Memorial Hospital administrator Michael Shaw updated county supervisors June 26 on tentative plans for construction of a new hospital facility where the former MSC Fine Arts Building is located, referring to it as now being a “do-able project.” Shaw told the board at its monthly meeting in the law enforcement center that it now appears the hospital will be able to get private financing if HUD funding is not attainable. Either plan, he emphasized, would stipulate that taxpayers would not be accountable for loan payback. He said markets are now looking at hospitals as

Lionesses donate to HSBC

HSBC director Lore Quinn accepts a donation from Siren Lionesses Joan Chapman and Faye Russ. Three hundred dollars was collected from their ongoing donation drive, called Pennies for Paws. – submitted by HSBC

more worthy of being extended credit. “Private financial markets are now receptive, perhaps eager, to extend credit. He also said that the hospital has a staff of 230 to 270 and gross revenue of $21 million, and that in addition to the economic impact, the many skilled people brought to the community has an impact on everyone. The nearly $20 million, 65,000 square foot project may get under way as soon as spring of 2008, according to Shaw. The old Fine Arts Center could be torn down during the winter. The present facilities, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s do not meet certain codes, since codes have changed over the years. Shaw also discussed concerns which have arisen because the state DOT wants College Avenue in front of the hospital and Marshfield Clinic closed off at U.S. 8, in connection with construction of a new

kinds of seeds. Sunflower seeds are a must for some birds. The platform sits on four dowels and can be easily taken off at night. To protect the seeds from getting wet, my husband added an umbrella which is a puzzle for some of the birds who end up flying into the side of it. They hopefully will learn about the need to duck under the umbrella. The liquid feeders hang by hooked screws on the underside. It’s a job to take down the feeders at night, but after repeated nocturnal visits by bear, and the destruction of several feeders, that’s the only way to keep the birds happy. Happy they are when the master of the house gets up early to put the feeders in place. Unhappy they are when they start jabbering at him to get out there at 5:30 a.m. This morning we saw two large does and one small fawn on the hillside. Our outside light has illuminated large raccoons scrounging the feed left on the ground. We’ve seen the bear, one year sitting under the bird feeder, eating as fast as he or she could, at 10 in the morning. Last year, a porcupine waddled across the yard, and feasted for quite some time on blossoms in the garden. Who needs television for early-morning entertainment? We who live in rural areas can just sit back and enjoy the peace and serenity that nature and the birds show us.

road for the Wal-Mart project. – Ladysmith News

Man dies in tractor accident

WINTER - Richard Wagner, 54, of Amery, died Tuesday, July 3, after being pinned under the tire of a tractor on his property at 7633 Barker Lake Road, six miles north of Winter. Thirty-four year old Timothy Schultz of Brooklyn Center, Minn., was also pinned, but was removed from the scene with non life threatening injuries. According to authorities, the two men were standing in front of a rear tire when the tractor, in gear with the engine running, rolled on top of Wagner and Schultz. Citizens at the scene were able to rescue both men from underneath the tractor however, Wagner was pronounced dead prior to being airlifted. Schultz was taken to Hayward Memorial Hospital with a leg injury. – haywardwi.com

Want to join the Citizens Auxiliary? BURNETT COUNTY – Being a member of the Burnett County Law Enforcement Citizens Auxiliary would be a rewarding experience as well as a responsibility. Individuals who are interested in joining must meet the following minimum qualifications: • Be a citizen who cares enough about their community to serve as a volunteer in a public safety capacity; • Be at least 21 years old; • Be a U.S. citizen; • Possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license; • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.; • Must be of good moral character without a felony conviction; • Must be able to work with a team; • Must pass a physical examination; • Must consent to a background investigation; • Must submit to a drug test and a psychological exam; • Must participate in an oral interview; • Must have the ability to communicate effectively; • Must maintain confidentiality. Examples of duties/responsibilities: • Security; • Crowd and traffic con-

trol at public events such as parades, carnivals, fires or sporting events; • Render emergency services during a disaster; • Search for missing persons; • Management and recovery services following a disaster; • Specialized services as needed. Accepted applicants will attend and complete a recruit-training program. If you think you meet these requirements, and are interested in joining, the auxiliary would like to hear from you. Call 715-349-2121 for further information and an application. Applications may also be obtained from any law enforcement agency in Burnett County or the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department Web page. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 3, at 4:30 p.m. Return the completed application to any law enforcement agency in Burnett County, or mail to: Burnett County Sheriff’s Department, 7410 CTH K, Siren, WI 54872. – submitted


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

T h e

V i e w

f r o m

H e r e

Eight miles high Michael Franti makes music that moves people. And he does it all over the world, from the war-torn Middle East to the sun-dappled prairie outside of Winnipeg where I saw him last week. Fusing rock, raggae, roots, and the best of spoken-word tradition, the 41 year-old Franti has a unique sound that cuts across racial lines and national borders. Not surprising since he claims African, Native American, German and Italian ancestry. Franti’s performance at the Winnipeg Folk Festival this past Friday night electrified the crowd of over 10,000 and was all the buzz the entire weekend at the festival. A professional musician since the mid-1980s, Franti has enjoyed modest commercial success since forming the band Spearhead in 1994. An activist as well as a musician, he recently took his music to the occupied Palestinian territories and the streets of Baghdad where, as reported in Mother Jones magazine, he had children and grown men singing, dancing and clapping to a ditty consisting only of the word “habibi”, which means “my beloved” in Arabic. With just a guitar and a camera crew and no protection, he sought out “everyday” people in an effort to assess the human cost of the war. His first-person account of the trip, entitled “I Know I’m Not Alone,” received critical acclaim at film festivals around the world and is available through Netflix. “I’m on the side of the peacemakers. . . whichever country they come from,” Franti says in the film. He manages to convey his perspective without getting preachy, and the message is ultimately hopeful amidst the backdrop of everyday violence and chaos. He uses his music to weave a web of possibility and shine a ray of light into some of the darkest places on the planet, and he does it at great personal peril. The guy has guts. And he makes you believe that music really can change the world. The music, that’s what it’s all about at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. There are several of us here from Polk and Burnett counties, 400 miles and eight hours from home. Earlier in the day, standing in line at the main gate, a young couple from Winnipeg ask me why we travel so far for this festival. I explain that there is

Steve Pearson really nothing quite like it anywhere in North America. Acts from all over the world, a potpourri of musical styles that appeal to virtually every taste, all put together in a tight, Michael Franti mixes with the crowd at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. — Photo subhighly organized package that still mitted keeps a relaxed, laid back feeling. Four days of peace and under- hello, bonjour, bonjour, hola, hola, shalom, salam, konichiwa, konichi wa-wa,” ten-thousand become standing. So we’ve been waiting to see this Michael Franti one! Onward and upward we go, birds in flight in person. The anticipation has been building all night. this rarified air. . . And then it is over, the lights come up, the crowd He and his band are the final act on the bill and sometime after 11 p.m. they take the stage. In person, the screams for more. Franti and the band bow to the first thing you notice is how big this man is. At 6 feet, audience and then the big man leaps from the stage 8 inches, he towers over the rest of his band and is a and is out into the crowd. Men, women and chilcommanding figure on stage. The music starts, and dren, young and old, reaching up to touch this minit draws us in quickly with its pulsating beat and live- strel of joy, handshakes, hugs and kisses and a whole ly, joyful spirit. Most of it is from his widely- lot of loving. It is a kind of group rapture here, and this Franti fellow is a force to be reckoned with, that acclaimed new recording, “Yell Fire.” Franti continually exhorts the crowd to “make rare performer who can enliven, inspire and entertain some noise” and they do. Excitement builds as he all at once. We are grateful to have been part of it. takes us higher and higher. Songs of love and hope and resistance to violence, global in scope, long on the possibilities and the promise. Everyone is on their feet and everyone is moving, a sea of joy. Franti is ministering to the flock and we’re believers, “Hello,

Identifying the “red flags” of bad loans STATEWIDE - Realtors and lenders across Wisconsin are warning homebuyers to look out for predatory mortgages. The state realtors’ association has developed a pamphlet describing what to avoid, and it will be given to every prospective home buyer. By the end of May there were already more than 7,600 foreclosures in Wisconsin. That’s up 20 percent over the same time last year. The Wisconsin Realtors Association hopes to stem the tide of foreclosures by educating consumers about relatively new mortgage products. Kevin King, the general counsel for the association, says even though it’s a realtor’s job to

sell houses and they work on commission, they have no interest in seeing customers lose their homes. He says there’s nothing worse for a realtor than to have a successful sale and then, a short time later, realize the customer is unable to retain that dream of home ownership because of an instrument that they selected. Also, King says in the last four years as many as one in four home loans were adjustable rate mortgages. Also known as ARMS, the first round of such loans is now maturing and the interest rates are rising. King says the new pamphlet explains how ARMS work, and other red flags to be aware of when signing the stack of

Moose donation

Members of the Loyal Order of Moose Burnett County Lodge present checks totaling $600 to Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland. The money is to go for the Electronic Speed Board the sheriff’s department is trying to purchase. The money was raised at an outdoor brat and hotdog feed held on June 16. Shown (L to R): Dave Goranson Sr., Dean Roland, Dick Sweet and Gerry Vogel. – Photo by Sherill Summer

paperwork that goes along with buying a house. He cautions buyers to never sign a document containing blanks. Also, he says if one is offered one set of terms but then are changed, he says ask what happened and why. The Wisconsin Bankers Association

and mortgage lenders will also distribute this information. The Wisconsin Credit Union League is also warning buyers to get their financial house in order before buying real estate. – Wisconsin Public Radio, Patty Murray

28th Assembly District

Repeal of three-day restriction on archer licenses As a state representative and an active deer and bear hunter, I understand how important hunting is to the community. A common problem discussed by fellow hunters with me is that when applying for an archer license they must wait three days until they can hunt. I Ann have also been told dreadful stories of Hraychuck Minnesotans coming to Wisconsin to hunt by bow and arrow only to find out they are stuck in their cabin over the weekend because of this law. Recently, I have joined with Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, to author Assembly Bill 401/Senate Bill 198 which eliminates the current law that

requires a three-day waiting period after obtaining an archer hunting license. The original law was put into place in 1980 when a hunter was only eligible for one deer tag. The legislature enacted this law because of the lower deer population and the need to address the problem of individuals purchasing licenses to tag deer shot by others. With the availability of multiple tags for hunters and the high deer population we have today, it is less likely that a hunter will shoot more deer then they have tags for. This bill has bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate and is backed by the Bow Hunters Board of Directors and the Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin hunters should be allowed to hunt right when they get their licenses. Not only does it create fewer headaches for people who are unaware of the law, but it also allows for a more enjoyable vacation for tourists who come here to hunt.


PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Burnett County hangar dispute on hold

After oral arguments, judge takes matter under advisement

by Carl Heidel and Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE - After waiting for their day in court, the Burnett County Hangar Owners Association and the county of Burnett will have to wait some more before their dispute is settled. The Hon. Eugene Harrington, judge of the Washburn County Circuit Court, listened to oral arguments from both sides Monday afternoon, and then took the matter under advisement until he issues a written determination sometime within the next 90 days. The BCHOA has sued to enjoin the county from evicting the hangar owners from property which they lease from the county. The county has filed a motion to have the hangar owners suit thrown out of court.

The conflict, in its early stages, dealt with changes which the county made in its lease agreement with the owners of hangars at the county airport in Siren. The county owns the land at the airport and leases it to individuals or groups who build hangars on this land to house their airplanes. Those who build on the leased land own the hangars they build. When the county attempted to make changes to the terms of the land lease, the hangar owners claimed there were numerous problems in the new lease. Some of the issues had to do with conformity to lease agreements at other comparable airports; some had to do with legal matters; some involved Federal Aeronautics Administration regulations; and the hangar owners refused to sign the new lease. Suggestions that the two sides negotiate their differences led nowhere. The conflict grew, and the possibility was raised that the hangar owners might be evicted from the airport land if they did-

n’t accept the new lease. The BCHOA claims that the conflict has produced “loss of value in the hangars.” They also claim that under current Wisconsin law, eviction would give the hangars to the county, and the owners would sustain serious financial loss. As a result, the BCHOA filed suit to enjoin the county from evicting the hangar tenants, and also to determine tenants’ rights under the existing hangar lease, the proposed lease and the law. In response, the county filed for a summary and declarative judgment against the BCHOA which sought to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the BCHOA has no basis for filing its suit or has no legal standing to file such a suit. In the arguments at Monday’s hearing, county attorney Charles Bohl indicated that he wanted Harrington to declare that Burnett County has the right to assign the new airport lease He agreement with the county.

acknowledged that BCHOA members still owned their property on the airport grounds even though they refused to sign the new lease. Jason Whitley, attorney for the BCHOA, emphasized that his clients’ suit is not a complaint seeking damages, but simply a request for an injunction to keep his clients from being evicted from the land they are leasing. He went on to say that with more than a year already spent on the dispute “all we want is a negotiation” discussed in a conference with a compromise outcome, rather than have a judge make a decision. While Harrington considers the arguments of both sides, he has suggested that the two parties in the dispute enter some form of mediation or arbitration. He said he can’t order this since nothing in the current lease mandates such action, but he said both parties will be better off if they arrive at an agreement out of the courtroom.

Siren Schools ordered to pay employee damages District found to have denied work and to illegally negotiate with an employee; district says it was a matter of contract interpretation SIREN – Siren Schools was recently ordered to pay approximately $14,000 in back pay to an employee it denied work to and treated unfairly, according to the Siren Education Association. The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission found that the district, through actions taken by its district administrator, unfairly denied an employee full-time status and, thereby, unjustly reduced her pay and benefits. The school district, in a press release issued Tuesday, said it “remains firm in its belief that at all times it acted with the best interests of students and staff in mind” and while it “strongly disagrees with the analysis and decision issued by the WERC,” it has decided not to contest if further. (See full statement below). The employee lost this pay and benefits, according to the Siren Education Association, when laid off to half time for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years. Then, she was not restored to full

time when other half-time positions became available. “The district violated its employment contracts by not giving the employee another vacant half-time position,” said the SEA’s statement. “The school district had multiple chances to correct the situation before it reached WERC for official court orders,” reads a statement from the WERC. “It could have performed initial layoffs as directed in its employee contracts. Informal discussions with staff and union leaders on the layoffs could have rectified the situation. The parties brought in a mediator to resolve matter but the Siren School Board rejected the mediated settlement. Staff tried to work with the district to resolve the matter earlier.” The district allowed the situation to continue as it did until it racked up legal charges for its taxpayers to defend itself in a case it eventually lost, according to the press release issued by the Siren Education Association. Official WERC findings dated May 2007 reveal that the problems in this case resulted from poor leadership, the SEA notes. “District leaders failed to work properly with staff in order to ful-

fill legal contracts.” School district response. Following is the full text of the school district’s response: “First, the district would like to point out that there were two parallel WERC decisions issued in the last two months. These decisions both involved the layoff and recall of the support staff employees. In the first case, referred to by the Siren Education Association, the WERC examiner held that the district violated the parties’ contract language when it failed to recall an employee from partial layoff and that district Administrator Johnson engaged in individual bargaining with an employee when he was trying to reassure an upset employee about her prospects of recall and did not involve the union. In the second case, the WERC examiner held that the partial layoffs were proper, but that the district erred by not recalling two of the employees from partial layoff. This was a matter of contract interpretation, with both parties disagreeing as to the meaning of the contract language. “As the public knows, the district was forced to implement staff layoffs in 2005 due to decreased funding and budget

deficits. Some of those affected by the layoffs were the support staff employees represented by the Siren Education Association. The board tried its best to minimize the effects of the layoffs on students, educational programs and staff by implementing partial and not full, layoffs. The district met with the union on numerous occasions in an attempt to resolve their issues with the layoffs, but the parties were unable to resolve the issues. The union then filed the two prohibited practice complaints. “The district remains firm in its belief that at all times it acted with the best interests of the students and staff in mind. It was, and remains, a difficult time and difficult decisions needed to be made. While the district strongly disagrees with the analysis and decision issued by the WERC, we respect the process and have decided not to contest it further. Instead, the district has fully complied with the first order, is in process of complying with the second, and sincerely hopes that the parties will finally be able to put this issue behind us and work together in a more productive and cooperative manner in the future.” – with submitted information

Milltown looks at planning contract Library has record circulation in June by Gregg Westigard MILLTOWN – The Milltown Village Council looked a comprehensive planning proposal at its monthly meeting Monday night, July 9. Other items on the agenda included reports from the library and water utility, and a discussion of swimming pool regulation. Cedar Corporation, an engineering firm from Menomonie, presented a proposal to help Milltown with its preparation of the village’s comprehensive plan. Each town, village, and city in the state must develop a smart plan by 2010, and local governments are now deciding how to proceed with the process. Polk County municipalities may choose between contracting with the county to use its planner or hiring an outside firm to do the work. Pat Beilfuss from Cedar Corp., told the council that his firm has expertise in developing the plans and could start the

process immediately. He said, “We have your information,” referring to the fact that Cedar Corp. has helped the village with projects in the past and has information about the village infrastructure. Beilfuss said the project could be completed in 18 months, allowing the village plan commission time to develop each of the 10 sections in the plan and allow for public input as the plan develops. Beilfuss emphasized the importance of involving residents from the start. He recommended that the village do a community survey of all residents and property owners to let them know what will be happening and to get immediate feedback on their current issues and concerns. The drafts of the plan will also be available to residents on the Cedar Corp. Web site as the work proceeds. Polk County has obtained a state grant to help municipalities cover the cost of the comprehensive planning process. Under a formula based on population, Milltown could spend $20,000 for the process with 60 percent of the

cost or $12,000 paid by the state. The village would pay $8,000. The cost would be the same whether Milltown accepted the Cedar Corp. bid or contracted with Polk County. Circulation at the Milltown Public Library in June reached an all-time high for one month, librarian Matt Rosendahl reported. A graph showed that monthby- month circulation for each month in 2006 and the first half of 2007 is more than double the 2005 levels. The June 2007 circulation was close to 6,000 items, compared to less than 2,000 in June 2005. Rosendahl thanked the board for the work on the library, including masonry, awning and lighting. He said the feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive.” He added that there are 134 participants in the summer reading program, compared to 15 last year. They read a total of 58,545 minutes in four weeks. The village water system received a good Compliance Maintenance Report from state inspectors, public works director Rick Fisher told the council.

With the exception of a groundwater issue that is being addressed, all items on the multipage report were given an “A” rating. Milltown has an ordinance requiring that all swimming pools be fenced so that no one could accidentally wander into a pool. That ordinance, on the books for several years, did not anticipate the new aboveground inflatable pools. Police Chief Andy Anderson reported to the council that he is working with residents to make sure that the new pools do not present a hazard. Some of the new pools have edges high off the ground and are covered with tarps when not in use. Anderson also gave the police report for June. The chief and his two officers put in 427 hours with no overtime. That included 27 hours for part-time help during Fishermen’s Party. He said that the summer celebration went very well, with few problems.

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

ST. CROIX VALLEY NEWS

SCF grand marshal announced by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–Rosemarie Vezina Braatz has been named the St. Croix Falls grand marshal for Wannigan Days. Rosemarie was born and raised in Milwaukee, and she attended the University of Madison studying journalism when she met her first husband, Jack Vezina, who was also attending the university for journalism. Vezina’s father, W.R. Vezina, owned the Standard Press newspaper in St. Croix Falls, and when he was ready to retire, he asked Jack and Rosemarie to take over. “He was a big newspaper man in this area, and it worked out well for both of us,” she said. Braatz said she wrote commercials for a radio station in Madison, WIBA, prior to moving to St. Croix Falls. In 1956 Rosemarie and Jack moved to St. Croix Falls and Braatz began writing for the Standard Press. She did a story about the tearing down of the old hotel in Taylors Falls, Minn., and said she got to know a lot of people there. She said

Rosemarie Vezina Braatz she also did a story about the Vincent house being torn down in St. Croix Falls (where Eagle Valley Bank is now on Main Street). She said that house was built in 1882, and, in doing that story she was able to get acquainted with the people and history of the community. “That is when I got into writing histo-

ry,” she said. “I also wrote for the Dalles Visitor in 1967, which was started by Helen White who was a historian and myself, a journalist. I still am writing for it.” Braatz began writing historical columns on a weekly basis in the Standard Press called “Don’t quote me, but.” She worked for the Standard Press until 1970 and had four children in the meantime. In 1970, she got a job with the National Park Service in land acquisition. In 1974, she became the writer/editor of the Army Corps of Engineers in St. Paul. She said she commuted for 22 years with that job and retired in 1995. She married Jim Braatz in 1977. She is the grandmother of 12. She began working with the St. Croix Falls Historical Society in 1995 to help raise funds, reorganize and secure a building. Through fundraising efforts, Braatz said the society raised $41,000 toward acquiring the Baker Land & Title Building on Main Street for their headquarters. “That was very gratifying,” she added.

She wrote historical articles for the Inter-County Leader called St. Croix Tales & Trails. After seven years of writing these, she decided to compile them into a book. Her book, “St. Croix Tales & Trails” was released in 2002. She still writes a weekly historic column for the Leader now called A St. Croix Tale, changing the name of the column after the release of her book. Braatz said she and her late husband Jack were instrumental in getting Wannigan Days celebrated in St. Croix Falls. She said that Taylors Falls began the celebration the year of the state of Minnesota Centennial celebration in 1958. She said the next year St. Croix Falls began celebrating Wannigan Days in conjunction with Taylors Falls, carrying the parade across the river into both cities. Braatz said, “I feel deeply honored, of course, but am very happy because I get to have my grandchildren ride with me in the parade.”

TF grand marshals are Swensons by Tammi Milberg TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. –The Wannigan Days grand marshals for Taylors Falls are Andy and Geri Swenson. They have lived in the Taylors Falls community since 1955. Andy and Geri are probably best known for their involvement with establishing and running Camp Waub ‘O Jeeg north of the Taylors Falls Lions Park. They owned the property, developed the campground and operated it for 10 years before they sold it. They live on their property next to where the campground is still operating today. Andy served for many years on the city council and was mayor of Taylors Falls. He and Geri were on the first Wannigan Days committee. He worked at the Stop-N-Swap Store as well as the Almelund Hardware Store before building and opening Camp Waub ‘O Jeeg. He is a member of the Lions Club and a member of the Landing Ship Tank. He was in the amphibious unit of the Navy during World War II for four years. Geri was a nurse in St. Croix Falls for

Geri and Andy Swenson. –Photo by Tammi Milberg 21 years before she helped operate the campground with Andy. She is a member of the Red Hat Society. She and

Andy were married in 1948 at the Little Brown Church in Iowa and often travel there to renew their vows. Next year

they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They have three children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They just came back last month from their 10th mission trip to Ecuador. They are active members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls and both go to the Lions Park in Taylors Falls daily to clean it up. They both enjoy travel, and gardening. Andy enjoys woodworking and carving and Geri enjoys painting and quilting. They both said they enjoy the time they spend with their family as well. “It’s quite an honor,” Andy said about being grand marshal. “I’m not sure I’m worthy of that.” The nomination form for grand marshal indicated that Andy and Geri are very well liked in the St. Croix Valley, and their community involvement speaks volumes for the designation of grand marshal. They will participate in the Wannigan Days parade July 21, beginning at 6 p.m.

Fiddle contestants wanted ST. CROIX FALLS - The 2007 St. Croix Falls/Taylors Falls Wannigan Days celebration features a brand-new event and fiddle players of all ages are urged to register. Taking place on Saturday, July 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at Festival Theatre, the fiddle contest will have four age divisions. The Junior-Junior Division is for fiddlers age 12 and under, the Junior Division is for fiddlers age 13-17, the Adult Division is for fiddlers age 18 and up, and a Senior Division is available to

fiddlers over the age of 65. Three independent judges will listen to contestants each play three tunes, and scoring is completed in five areas: rhythm, tone, difficulty, style and creativity. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded to the top three overall contestants and ribbons will be awarded to the top three scores in each division. Participant ribbons will be awarded for all youth participating in the junior divisions. A champion award will be made to the top overall score. Registration

fees are $5 per contestant in the youth divisions and $10 per contestant in the adult divisions. All registration fees are used to pay for cash prizes, ribbons and judges’ stipends. The contest will be open to the public to view. For those who have never watched a fiddle contest, the format is very interesting. In an effort to bring complete objectivity to the scoring, judges listen but cannot see the contestants. Audience members don’t need a musical background to enjoy the fun of

watching very young through masterlevel fiddlers show their stuff. For additional information, contact Dave Frank at RedBird Music in St. Croix Falls. Dave can be reached by telephone at 715-483-2943 or by e-mail at redbirdjams@yahoo.com. Registration forms can be picked up at RedBird Music, Festival Theatre or the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce. They can also be downloaded from the Chamber’s Web site at www.scfwi.com. - submitted

Art exhibits during Wannigan Days ST. CROIX FALLS–An evening of oil paint, collage, acrylic, ink and poetry will be on display at Galleria di Marchese, located in the Fine Acres Market Building in downtown St. Croix Falls. The gallery is owned by Jack and Karen Marchese. The event takes place Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. Featured artists include Ed Emerson with oil and poetry, Amber Fletchlock with collage, and a special preview of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s 2007 “R(e)volutionary Woman.” “We are specifically located in this area to promote and build up the arts

through exhibitions and provide the people with more of an awareness of art than they might have had before they came in the door,” said Karen Marchese. Wannigan Days begins July 19 and goes through July 22 with many events planned for the weekend including a talent show, Miss St. Croix Falls Pageant, unveiling the River Spirit sculpture, 100 birthday of the dam, grand parade and more. See the Wannigan Days schedule with the Miss St. Croix Falls candidate story in this section. –submitted

Members of the St. Croix Community Choir sang patriotic songs at the Overlook Deck in St. Croix Falls on July 4. –Photo by Tammi Milberg


PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

ST. CROIX VALLEY NEWS

TF council approves tug-of-war beer license

Sales to raise funds for fight against blindness

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - Taylors Falls City Council approved the beer license Monday night for the Lions Club’s new Wannigan Days event in North and South Lions Park, but only after certain stipulations. The license will allow the sale of beer at the Taylors Falls Lions Park during the tug-of-war contest, and the volleyball tournament, which is scheduled to take place on July 21 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Proceeds from the beer sales will go to Campaign SightFirst II a capital campaign of the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the International Association of Lions Clubs to reduce preventable and reversible blindness worldwide. Funds from that campaign are used to construct eye hospitals and to train eye specialists in third-world countries. For more information on Campaign SightFirst II go to www.lions-csfii.org. Mayor Mike Buchite said that the city attorney and the city’s insurance agency said the city should be covered for any liability in connection with the tug-ofwar. “The only thing I’ve been told is to try to use some common sense,” he said. “It’s a big area.’ Buchite said he was concerned about the possibility of underage drinking and the wooded area that sits between north and south Lions Park. “Should we restrict it (beer sales) to the just the north or south Lions Park?” he said. “Or should we have beer sales in both areas and signage that there will be no alcoholic beverages in the wooded area?” Wayne Breeden, representing the Lions Club, expressed dissatisfaction with any restrictions. “Our largest beers sales will be in the north part in the volleyball area,” he

said. “I’m a Baptist, but I just can’t see the restrictions on this.” Breeden said the Lions Club would have several people in both areas of the park, assisting with parking, who will keep an eye on people. Cpl. Shane Carroll of the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department said an officer would patrol the area during the five-hour period. “I think I can live with it as long as the area is patrolled,” said Vice Mayor Ross Rivard. Council member John Tangen agreed, noting that people should realize that there is “zero tolerance” for any illegal drinking. Buchite stressed that the city attorney recommended wristbands for beer drinkers, so it would be easy to identify who legally purchased the beer. “I think that’s up to the beer server,” Breeden said, noting that the Lions Club has no funds for wristbands. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Buchite recommended wristbands and asked the council if they believed that was “extreme” on his part, but the council members agreed with Buchite. “I think that wristbands would make it more identifiable,” said council member Zara Kinnunen. Buchite told Breeden that the city would make sure that the wristbands were provided to the Lions Club for free. The council approved the beer license, with the stipulation that signage must be placed and that wristbands are used. John Tangen abstained from the vote, because he works for the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department. Council member Larry Julik-Heine was absent from the meeting. Breeden also requested financial help for the Lions Club so it could make some cement improvements in the park. Buchite recommended the usual route for those requests; taking the request to the park and recreation commission, which would consider it and make a recommendation to the council.

“You guys have done an outstanding job (on park improvements),” Buchite told Breeden. In other business, the council approved the purchase of three portable command radios for the fire department from the fire run account. Fire Chief Kevin Rivard brought the request to the council, even though the expenditure was less then $1,000. The fire run account has a total of $18,784. “We didn’t know if this needed approval from the council,” he said. The radios will allow for better communication and speedier response,

Rivard said. “This allows the chief to be the first one on the scene,” said Tangen. “He can report from his residence.” The council also approved the purchase of fire department training DVDs, for no more than $1,500. The training videos will provide a more efficient training, Rivard said. He also noted that doing training on site allows recruits to immediately be trained on the specific Taylors Falls equipment, instead of being sent to training, where they learn on different equipment, and then need to be retrained in Taylors Falls.

First Tug across the St. Croix set ST. CROIX FALLS - The Lions Clubs of St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, Minn., are planning a tug-of-war across the St. Croix River. This event will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, during the 50th-annual Wannigan Days Celebration in the Lions Parks on each side of the river. This year only three pulls are planned. These pulls will be the elected officials and other dignitaries from both sides of the river, the St. Croix Falls High School Athletic Department and the Chisago Lakes High School Athletic Department and the St. Croix Falls Fire Department and the Taylors Falls Fire Department. There will be traveling trophies awarded to the winning teams/state. In addition to the Tug Across the St. Croix there will be pontoon rides on the Indianhead Flowage of the St. Croix River. The pontoon rides will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The rides will be free between the two Lions parks, and for a 20-minutes ride up and down the flowage. The cost is $5 for persons 13 years and older and $1 for children 12 years and younger. The St. Croix Falls Lions will be serving fish and chips and the Taylors Falls Lions will be serving brats and hot dogs from 11 a.m.

through the tug-of-war. They will have T-shirts for sale that may be signed by the winning teams of each tug sponsored by Eagle Valley Bank, S & C Bank and RiverBank. All funds raised will be going to Campaign SightFirst II, a capital campaign of The Lions Clubs International Foundation and The International Association of Lions Clubs to significantly reduce preventable and reversible blindness worldwide. For more information on Campaign SightFirst II go to www.lionscsfii.org/live/content/index.shtml The public is also being asked to bring used eyeglasses and hearing aides to either Lions Park so that they can be recycled. The eyeglasses are cleaned, prescription checked and sorted then sent or taken by U.S. Lions to third-world countries for distribution. The hearing aides are sent in for the proper recycling of parts and Lions Clubs are are given a credit towards the purchase of new hearing aides for persons in need in our communities. For further information contact Steven Jensen 715-483-3715 of the St. Croix Falls Lions or Wayne Breeden 651-465-5283 of the Taylors Falls Lions. - submitted

Wannigan Days button design winner announced ST. CROIX FALLS–This year, as every year, a contest was held to choose a design for the Wannigan Days button which was open to the entire community. Several chamber members and a few local artists took on the task of choosing a winner. For the third year in a row, aspiring artist Packer’s designs was chosen to represent St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls on the 2007 Wannigan Days button. The design chosen pays tribute to the Centennial Celebration of the Hydroelectric Dam being held during Wannigan Days. Thank you to all of those who submitted designs in the contest and to Lee Packer for his winning design. Be sure to purchase a button from your favorite retailer and help support the St. Croix Falls Queen Committee. A button allows you free admission to the royalty coronation of Friday, July 20. Three winning buttons will be chosen at the close of the week-

ends events and announced in the local newspapers in the weeks following Wannigan Days. First prize is $300, second prize is $200 and third prize is $100. On another note-We are proud to announce the appointment of the 2007 Wannigan Days Parade Grand Marshall-Rosemarie Vezina Braatz. Rose is a familiar face in town, a member of the St. Croix Falls Historical Society, a journalist and historian. She has published several books, the most recent “St. Croix Tails and Trails” in 2005. Shortly after, she was awarded the Polk County Historical Society’s Woman of the Year, for her years of dedication in preserving the history of the area. Join us for a weekend of family fun, music, entertainment and more July 19 to July 22. –from the SCF Chamber of Commerce

Pictured Right: Artist Lee Packer with the winning button design for Wannigan Days. –Photo submitted

Osceola man faces meth charge POLK COUNTY - An Osceola man has been charged with felony possession of methamphetamine. Brian Jones, 41, was arrested July 5 after a relative called the Polk County Sheriff’s Department and told authorities that he suspected Jones was on

drugs. The relative told authorities that he found Jones with a grill on and next to it there appeared to be a bag of marijuana. When deputies arrived on the scene, Jones appeared to be asleep in a living room chair.

Jones faces charges in Polk County of possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Jones has a criminal history showing arrests for disorderly conduct, delivery of controlled substance, possession of

drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and felony bail jumping. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 11. – Julie Holmquist


ST. CROIX VALLEY NEWS

JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

SCF business tenant files lawsuit against property owner, town chairman POLK COUNTY - A St. Croix Falls business tenant has filed a lawsuit in Polk County Circuit Court against the man leasing the building to her, accusing him of conspiring to evict her. The town of St. Croix Falls Board chairman has also been named in the suit. Bonnie Glassel of New Richmond owns and operates Anything Goes Salvage and Thrift at 2014 U.S. Hwy. 8 in St. Croix Falls and leases the property from Robert C. Carlson of Dresser. Glassel filed a suit against Carlson and William Hughes of St. Croix Falls, the chairman of the board for the town of St. Croix Falls. In the suit, Glassel alleges that Carlson agreed to obtain permits from the town board so her business could have outdoor display and storage, but that he was “unwilling or unable” to obtain the permits. Glassel alleges that Carlson sought to use his influ-

ence with Hughes to remove the “special exception” status that allowed her to operate the business in the township. She also alleges that Carlson “entered into a pattern of abuse and harassment” to force Glassel from the premises leased from Carlson. In the suit, she accuses Carlson of threatening her and her disabled employees with physical violence and also of “attempting to murder Glassel’s husband, Jonathan P. Glassel, with a silver pickup on June 5, 2007.” Carlson declined to comment on the allegations

Wannigan Days schedule July 19 Thursday, July 19, hydroelectric dam tours from 1 to 5 p.m. The annual talent show with takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the scenic Overlook Deck awarding $800 in prize money. Art exhibit at Galleria di Marchese (Fine Acres Market building) at 7 p.m. July 20 Friday, July 20, at 5 p.m., the River Spirit sculpture will be unveiled at the overlook. A new Miss St. Croix Falls and Little Miss St. Croix Falls will be selected at the queen pageant at St. Croix Falls High School Friday evening beginning at 7 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. a Dance on the Deck event with a bluegrass band will take place at the overlook.

This is the completed Riverwalk from the National Park Service to the Overlook Deck in St. Croix Falls. The first phase of the Riverwalk was completed in conjunction with the River Spirit sculpture unveiling during the annual Wannigan Days celebration. The sculpture will be located adjacent to the Overlook Deck and the paved path goes around the sculpture and the deck. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

Tuesday, saying that he will comment once the suit is resolved. He said that a trial is pending. Hughes also declined to comment while litigation is pending, on advice from his attorney. Glassel has accused Hughes of misusing his position as town of St. Croix Falls chairman, and alleges that he used his position to “bully other members of the town board into revocation of Glassel’s special exception.” Glassel is asking the court for $2,550,000 in damages, alleging conspiracy, interference of contract, malicious harassment, discrimination and violation of rights. – Julie Holmquist

July 21 Saturday, July 21, events begin at the National Park Service Headquarters featuring kids games and an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street attractions including an arts and crafts fair and sidewalk sales from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are taking place as well. A fiddle contest will be at St. Croix Festival Theatre from noon to 2 p.m. In Taylors Falls, a dedication at 1 p.m. of the Timberframe Bridge will take place. The centennial birthday of the dam will take place at 2 p.m. with a party and exhibit followed by dam tours from 2 to 3 p.m. At the Lions Parks in St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, pontoon rides will be given from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a tug-of-war will take place at 2 p.m., in which members of both cities fire departments, the athletic department of St. Croix Falls and Chisago Lakes schools and the elected officials of both cities will be participating. The grand parade begins at 6 p.m. beginning in St. Croix Falls and ending in Taylors Falls. A familyfriendly dance on the overlook in St. Croix Falls by

Nattering Nabobs is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by music from the band Breezy Bay Boys from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music is at Romaynes in Taylors Falls from 8:30 to close by the band Lost Boys. July 22 Sunday, July 22, starts with a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the St. Croix Falls Fire Department and the day wraps up with a community dance on the overlook from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. by Pop Wagner and Friends. –from the St. Croix Falls chamber of commerce


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ST. CROIX VALLEY NEWS

Sons of the Voyageur journey to St. Croix Falls ST. CROIX FALLS - The fur trade era will come to life on the Festival Theatre stage Friday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. as the five-member a cappella singing troupe Sons of the Voyaguer performs for the 2007 Music Series and in celebration of Wannigan Days. An extensive collection of paddling, working and playing songs form the basis of this exciting historical overview of the life and times of a voyageur. Within an interactive musical theatre performance, audience members will hear authentic fur trade-era songs sung in three and four part harmony. With the help of a multimedia rear-projection slide presentation featuring close to 100 images, the journey from Montreal to Grand Portage provides an in-depth look at the lifestyle of the voyageur, with singers dressed in authentic period costumes. Sons of the Voyageur have been singing together since 1976. Originally started by music professor Bill Otis, who had been researching music of the fur trade era and arranging songs of the voyageurs for three and four part mens’ voices, the group has traveled the entire Midwestern region from Lafayette, Ind.

Sons of the Voyaguer will perform for the 2007 Music Series and in celebration of Wannigan Days. L/R Grant Herman, Tom Yost, Gary Hecimovich, Tom Draughton and Ron Hobart. – Photo submitted to Winnipeg, Manitoba, performing these songs. The group consists of Grant Herman, Tom Yost, Gary

Hecimovich, Tom Draughton and Ron Hobart. While the ensemble is in St. Croix

Falls for Wannigan Days, they will also perform their Pinery Boys program, which is a one-hour family concert, at three different times on Saturday. This show pays tribute to the logging era and also includes a multimedia slide show. Additional concerts making up the 2007 Music Series include: Tish Hinojosa with her first performance on the Festival Stage on August 11. Through the fall and early winter, audiences can enjoy Butch Thompson, Neal and Leandra, Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard, and Monroe Crossing. Flex Pass ticket packages offer patrons great savings and can be used for both the Music Series and Theatre Series. Reserved seating for the 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, Sons of the Voyageur concert is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets for the one-hour Pinery Boys Concert are $7.50 for youth and $12.50 for adults with shows at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and after the Wannigan Days Parade at 7:30 p.m. For more information, to order tickets or join the Festival Theatre mailing list, call 715-483-3387 or 1-888-887-6002. You may also send an email to boxoffice@festivaltheatre.org. – submitted

Buy fresh buy local partnership formed by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The city council for St. Croix Falls heard a presentation from Dana Jackson, senior program associate from the Land Stewardship Project, about buying local, fresh foods. The project is a buy fresh buy local campaign promoting foods grown in the St. Croix Valley. Keeping food dollars circulating in the community, which helps to support local farmers and expand the market for local growers.

The project is a collaboration of organizations, growers, restaurants, farmer’s markets, processors, food co-ops and other retail groceries. Jackson explained that through materials and advertisements the project makes it easy for citizens to find fresh local food to purchase in the St. Croix River Valley. Jackson explained one goal is to protect the ecological resources in this region, and it is more environmentally sound because the food miles are shorter and there is

less involved with packaging and transporting the foods. The St. Croix buy fresh – buy local is part of the Food Routes Network, a national nonprofit organization providing technical support to communitybased groups working to strengthen regional markets for locally grown foods. Jackson stated that these areas also contribute to the culture of the area and go along with promoting the arts. People expect in an artist community to

have fresh grown foods and restaurants that use fresh, local, quality products. The city had the opportunity to decide to become a market partner for the Land Stewardship Project. They did move forward to consider the partnership agreement, plus a contribution to purchase signs for the farmer’s market not to exceed $120.

Hydroelectric dam centennial celebration to be featured during Wannigan Days ST. CROIX FALLS - The hydroelectric dam on the St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, Minn., is turning 100 years old, The dam’s centennial event will be celebrated during Wannigan Days, July 19 - 22. This will be an interstate celebration of the hydroelectric dam, which at the time (1907), was built to supply electric power to Minneapolis, and was the largest hydroelectric project in the region. The centennial dam committee consists of members from the St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls Historical societies, Xcel Energy and the National Park Service. The committee’s energies have focused on planning a first-rate celebration that will honor the 100-year history of the hydroelectric dam, and the future that the second century will bring to the St. Croix River Valley. The slogan is The Dam in the Valley - Green Energy for a 2nd Century.

New businesses join the Portrait Studio and One-Hour Photo in the former North Country Closeouts Building in St. Croix Falls. Anytime Fitness, Nail Time and Bagz Clothing Co. are open and ready for business. Two more suites are expected to open in the building in the coming weeks. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

Thursday, July 19 • 1 to 5 p.m. - Open House/Tours of the hydroelectric dam. Allows a closer look...it’s something to see! Commemorative brochures will be distributed during tours. Tour length: 20 - 30 minutes. Location: west side of Main Street, across from Festival Theatre. Free parking. Large groups of more than 16 persons, contact: Trudy at 715-386-4780. Please note, this is the correct time for the tour. Unfortunately, a misprint was made on the Wannigan Days poster. • 1 to 5 p.m. - hydroelectric dam photo exhibit at Overlook Deck site, under the tent. A duplicate dam photo exhibit will be located at the 1852 Town House School, Taylors Falls during Wannigan Days: Thursday evening July 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, between 1 and 5 p.m. * 1 to 5 p.m. - Open house at the Baker Building, Main Street, St. Croix Falls. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring historic dam photos, paintings, and Wannigans! Do you know what a Wannigan is? Come and see the historical photos!

Reddi Kilowatt Saturday, July 21 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Open house/tours of the hydroelectric dam (see above for details). • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - hydroelectric dam photo exhibit at Overlook Deck. • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - “Energy for the Environment” DVD shown continuously in the tent on the Overlook Deck. A renewable energy video from Xcel Energy. • Main event: 2 to 3 p.m. - St. Croix hydroelectric Dam Centennial Birthday Celebration Ceremony at the dam overlook. Minnesota and Wisconsin governors and elected officials have been invited to attend. Speakers from Xcel Energy, centennial birthday cake, coffee and lemonade. Reddy Killowatt will Appear–an electrifying character from NSP’s history. • 6 p.m. - Wannigan Days Parade - Watch for the Xcel Energy trucks. Reddy Kilowatt will be there too, with special giveaways for the kids. - submitted


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

Ground broken for casino, hotel

New Hole-in-theWall ready in a year

by Gregg Westigard DANBURY – The St. Croix Chippewa Tribe broke ground for a new casino and hotel in Danbury Tuesday, July 3. The new facility, just east of the present Hole in the Wall Casino has been planned since 2003, according to tribal council member Gloria Benjamin. The building should be completed in a year. Al Bearhart, manager of the casino, told a crowd gathered for the ground breaking ceremony and feast that the new building will have 580 slot machines, 200 more than the present building, at least 34 rooms in the new hotel which will include a pool, and a dining/buffet area that will seat 160 people. The new casino will double the gaming floor size of the present Hole in

The new casino, which will be completed in a year, will include a larger gaming floor and a new hotel with banquet room. A convention center may be added later. Bearhart recognized over 40 employthe Wall. Plans include the later addiees who have worked at Hole in the tion of a convention center. Benjamin thanked the employees and Wall over 10 years. He thanked them for guests who have made the present casi- their hard work and said their experino a success. She said that conditions ence will make the new casino a success there are not always the best but loyal from the start. Benjamin was joined in the ceremony people have made it work. Benjamin said the new casino will be as good as by three of her fellow council members, Hazel Hindsley, Jerald Lowe, and any around.

The ground breaking started with a blessing led by the tribal drummers. Michael Decorah. Also taking part in the celebration, which ended with a meal at the powwow ring, were tribal planner Duane Emery, project manager Marty Shutt, and new tribal general counsel Andrew Adams III.

Over 40 persons have worked at Hole in the Wall for more than 10 years. Al Bearhart introduces some of these experienced employees to the crowd. The celebration of the new casino project included the youth, the next generation of the St. Croix Tribe. Here the kids prepare to release balloons.

Turning over the first shovels of dirt for the new Hole in the Wall casino are tribal planner Duane Emery, project manager Marty Shutt, tribal general counsul Andrew Adams III, and casino manager Al Bearhart.

Live Earth at Anathoth part of worldwide event

Celebrate and warning draws crowd to day of music

by Gregg Westigard LUCK – Saturday was a day of celebration and a day of warning. People around the globe gathered for a World Music Festival and a warning that the earth is fragile and people must be aware of climate change. One of the Live Earth sites was the Anathoth Community east of Luck where people started gathering at noon and were still enjoying the summer weather, good companionship, and excellent music past midnight and into the morning hours. The local celebration included top regional musicians topped off by Savage Aural Hotbed, one of the top bands in the Twin Cities, and Buckwheat Zydeco with his band playing southern bayou jazz. People were still dancing and singing at one in the morning under the stars. Anothoth Community Farm, the host of the Live Earth festival, was celebrating its 20th anniversary as a community dedicated to peace through nonviolent action. The farm is home to a group of

Farmer to Farmer is a movement to build conections between local farmers and farmers in other countries. The Popp family from Clear Lake are very active in the group and had a tent to share information on fair trade products. Pictured are Jonas Popp, Nancy Keith-Popp, Farmer to Farmer president, and Roberta Popp. Roberta, a Grantsburg high school graduate, is on her way to Guatamala to spend six months building ties with residents. individuals who have dedicated their lives to working for change while living in harmony with the earth. They

showed their guests what living in an “Eco Village” was like, with tours of their energy efficient homes and the large gardens that help sustain the community. The Luck Live Earth event included a chance for people to share ideas on how to protect the earth and bring people together in harmony. Guests included the Farmer to Farmer project which is building ties with farmers in Central and South America. Roberta Popp, a young Clear Lake resident and Grantsburg graduate, is soon leaving for a season in Guatemala to help build farmer to farmer ties with rural residents in that country. Ronald Kane, co-chair of the Wisconsin Green Party, talked about the success that party has had in involving its concerned members in local government. He said that 21 Greens have been elected to county boards and city councils, including Polk County board member Jeff Peterson, a founder of the Wisconsin Green Party and an Anothoth neighbor. Worldwide, it was estimated that 2 billion people watched Live Earth concerts last Saturday. In Luck, at Anothoth Farm, a happy crowd was part of that event. - Photos by Gregg Westigard

Buckwheat Zydeco raised his arms in a sign of peace and unity. He said the day was about protecting the earth and building understanding among people. BELOW: People danced past midnight and into the early morning, under the starry sky at Anathoth.


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Central Burnett County Fair

Mason Getts shows off his John Deere in front of the big tractors. A showdeo contestant races around barrels on Thursday, July 5. – Photo by Sherill Summer

L E F T: S h e r i Nelson, Fairest of the Fair, shows young fairgoers the senior art exhibit.

RIGHT: Joy was contagious at the rides. carnival Stipes Shows provided the rides for this year’s fair. – Photo by Sherill Summer

Photos submitted except where noted.

LEFT - Kelley Wampfler of the Wood Creek 4-H club received one of two overall junior exhibit awards for her wooden windmill.

The Gravitron was new at the fair this year and was a big hit with the kids.

The following youth received trophies for their animals and exhibits at the Central Burnett County Fair in Webster this past weekend. Front row (L to R): Hannah Smith and Alexis Frazee. Second row: Jeanna Colombo, Jorden Otis, Candace Zehm and Joshua Glover. Third row: Alan Strabel, Austin Otis, Jessica Glover, Jessica Strabel and Lauren Jewell. Fourth row: Olivia Kopecky, Kelley Wampfler, Patrick Zehm, Barbie Antill and Rose Kopecky. Not pictured: Jamie Kopecky, Courtland Summer, Ellie Isaacson and Samantha Kopecky.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

Central Burnett County Fair

Tom Haines’ Percheron team was the lone entrant at the Webster Fair Draft Horse competition. Shown are Haines, granddaughter Macy Hanks, Joe Cook, and horses Buck and Dan.

Sheri Nelson, 2007 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair, stands by the new fairgrounds sign.

Riley Jones checks out the Husqvarna display.

Mathew Wampfler helps Jill Glover clip a goat before the dairy goat show.

LEFT - Doll maker Ruth Johnson, Siren, entered this fancy-dressed Barbie doll in the judging at the Central Burnett County Fair in Webster July 5-7. The doll is dressed in a 1909 San Francisco outfit. The doll is the 10th one Johnson has dressed for competition in the county fairs. This one took her 92-1/2 hours to make, and it took a firstplace fair ribbon. The other dolls are on display at Cuts & Curls in Webster. This latest doll will also be entered in the Grantsburg Agricultural Society Fair next month. - Fair royalty were on hand to help the judges and Photo by Nancy Jappe hand out ribbons. Pictured are (L to R) Miss Danbury, Amanda Kleidon; Miss Webster, Leighann Flatten; 2007 Wisconsin’s Fairest of the Fair, Sheri Photos submitted except Nelson of Walworth County; and Webster Princess, where noted. Beth Baer.

Exhibitors wait their turn for the cat judging.

Michael Wampfler and his rabbit wait for judging.

Fran Krause and Brownie Sears look at the display on the history of the Central Burnett County Fair, which celebrated its 90th year this year. Both women have been volunteers and exhibitors at the fair for many years.

These youngsters get a close-up look at a calf. – Photo by Sherill Summer


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I N T E R- C O U N T Y L E A D E R

P O R T

F R E D E R I C • G R A N T S B U R G • L U C K • S T. C R O I X F A L L S • S I R E N • U N I T Y • W E B S T E R

Pirates spoil New Richmond’s record games. The Pirates open the playoffs against Webster on Tuesday, July 17.

Grantsburg knocks Tigers from the ranks of the unbeatens

Grantsburg 14, Pine City, Minn. 1 GRANTSBURG – Kevin Johnson scored four runs and drove home three as the Pirates romped 14-1 on July 6. Johnson started the game strong with a double, and Brandon Kaiser followed up with a two-run homer. Kaiser had a pair of runs and RBIs in the contest.

Grantsburg 5, New Richmond 2 by Matt Blumkin NEW RICHMOND – Brandon Kaiser pitched a gem for the Pirates as they handed the conference champion New Richmond Tigers their first conference loss this season. “This is the game I know we’re capable of,” said Pirates coach Pete Johnson. They have had their ups and downs this season with losses to Unity and Baldwin-Woodville, which put them in danger of falling into a three-way tie for third. The Pirates had hopes entering the season to win another Lakeland crown despite the addition of the New

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total Grantsburg 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 5 New Richmond 2 0 0 0 0 0 x 2 Individual Statistics Grantsburg AB H R BB RBI Ben Larson 2 1 2 0 0 Kevin Johnson 4 0 0 0 0 Brandon Kaiser 3 2 1 0 1 Trent Bonneville 1 0 0 1 0 David Faulhaber 4 1 0 0 0 Thane Larson 4 2 1 0 1 Jamie Robb 2 0 0 0 0 Dylan Marohn 2 0 0 0 0 Tim Josephson 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 Zach Phillipps 3 Totals 26 6 5 4 2 New Richmond Hayden Zimmerman Jake Kleiner Blake Berger Cole Johnston Tyler Stoeklen Tony Evans Jerrod Berget Berger Cody Torkelson Brock Peterson Totals Grantsburg Brandon Kaiser

Ben Larson swinging in Pirates’ first encounter with Tigers. Larson stepped up on 10 to score two runs as Pirates 5-2 at New Richmond.

the the July won

Brandon Kaiser of Grantsburg pitching against New Richmond in their first meeting on June 19. Kaiser held the Tigers to two runs in that outing, which the Tigers won 2-0. He equaled that performance again on July 10 as the Pirates scored five runs to beat the Tigers 5-2 on their home field. – Photos by Matt Blumkin Richmond Tigers. Johnson gunned one from left field to In their first meeting of the season, the get the runner at home. Tigers edged Grantsburg 2-0 though “After that first inning, we cleaned it Kaiser pitched strong then too. The up,” Johnson said of his team’s defense. Pirate bats went cold at home including Kaiser also got things going offensive10 strikeouts. ly in a 2-2 start with an RBI in the first Kaiser slowed down the powerful three innings. He also knocked an RBI Tigers bats again on July 10 by shutting single in the sixth to put the Pirates up them out after the first inning. The 4-2. Larson scored runs in the first and Pirates ace struck out nine and allowed sixth innings. Thane Larson and Tim one earned run on nine hits. He also had Josephson also crossed home plate for the help of a couple of double plays and the Pirates. “We put the ball in play every tags at home plate. Freshman Dylan Marohn, playing his inning,” said Johnson. “Good things first varsity game for the Pirates, made a happen when you put the ball in play.” big throw to home, and Ben Larson Grantsburg (17-4, 9-3) secured second tagged out the runner to preserve the place with the win since Unity and lead. The other came when Kevin Baldwin-Woodville both lost four

Pilz hit home run for family Lucks Bob Pilz remembered for serving family and succeeding on the baseball diamond by Matt Blumkin LUCK – Bob Pilz of Luck had a vision during his stay in a St. Paul, Minn., hospital during the spring. The former Luck Cardinals baseball

coach’s vision of Jesus helping hit a home run gave him hope in his battle with myelofibrosis, a blood disorder. He had a successful bone marrow transplant in May, but leukemia from the blood disorder returned. His passing away on June 26 was not a cause for despair for his family though. “He was a total changed man, he got a lot closer to God,” said Travis, Bob’s son. “Ever since he heard about his sickness, he started reading the Bible more. It got a our family closer together.” Mary Pilz, Bob’s wife, said their time of parting ways with Bob was one of

giving thanks to God for his life. The funeral at Siren Assembly of God was much the same. “It was a celebration of his life more than anything,” said Travis. Members of the Cardinals 2007 spring baseball team came in their team shirts to pay their respects at the wake. Former players and colleagues also attended the funeral, and family and friends shared stories about his life. Jeff Pilz, Bob’s brother, recalled the home run vision, and the congregation gave a standing ovation.

Pilz cont. next page

AB 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 27

H 2 3 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 9

Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K W 7.0 28 4

Team 1 2 3 4 5 Pine City, Minn. 0 0 0 1 0 Grantsburg 2 2 0 6 4 Individual Statistics AB H Grantsburg 4 3 Ben Larson Kevin Johnson 4 4 Brandon Kaiser 2 2 Trent Bonneville 3 2 David Faulhaber 4 0 Thane Larson 4 0 0 0 Josh Meyer 3 0 Tim Josephson Zach Phillipps 3 1 Totals 27 12 Grantsburg David Faulhaber Brandon Kaiser

R 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB H 2 9

R 1

Total 1 14 R 3 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 3 14

Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K W 4.0 14 5 x 1.0 4 0

BB 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 5

RBI 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 8

BB H 0 2 1 0

R 1 0

Extra Points ••• Mark SPOKANE, Wash. – Hallberg, a one-time Unity Little Leaguer, batted sharply during the July 4 weekend. In three games July 6-8, the Yakima, Wash., Bears shortstop posted a .750 average at the plate with four runs and four RBIs. The Bears went 2-1 in that stretch with their only loss coming by one run. – Matt Blumkin ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2007-08 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail. We’ll take it from there. – Matt Blumkin and Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact us by noon on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Matt Blumkin and Marty Seeger

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 10 p.m. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week! S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m a b l u m k i n @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t o r m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Pilz/from previous page People will remember Pilz the most as a family man. He invested in them, shared about them with others and made decisions with their interest in mind. “We couldn’t ask for much more,” said Tyler Pilz, Bob’s son, regarding the support he showed him and the other children. Pilz would regularly be in attendance at Tyler’s, Tatum’s, Travis’, Taryn’s and Tabitha’s games. He cut time into his refereeing schedule during basketball season especially to make time for his children. Pilz dropped from 40 to 20 games of refereeing to make that time as his children went through high school. It became more frequent this past winter. “In January, he started giving games away,” said Ron Steen, Pilz’s refereeing partner of 16 years. “He must have known something was up then.” Even his battle with myelofibrosis didn’t stop him from sitting in the stands at Travis’ baseball games and Taryn’s softball games this spring. He came to games during his time out of the hospital before returning for the bone marrow transplant. Travis upped his play with two walk-off home runs during two of the games his father attended. “That’s pretty good being in the clutch for your team, but especially for your dad,” said Tyler. Their time together would go beyond the game, sometimes a day hunting or

Former Luck baseball coach Bob Pilz in attendance of a Cardinals game during the spring. The late coach came to watch his children Travis and Taryn play baseball and softball respectively during his times out of the hospital. – Photo by Marty Seeger fishing on the day following a game. “We’d get up at 4 a.m. to get equipment ready for duck hunting,” said Travis. “I would roll slowly out of bed being sore from getting bumped and bruised playing football.” They regularly fished on Webb Lake, and they’d hunt duck, but they wouldn’t hunt deer since it didn’t provide the same opportunity to connect.

“We’d go sit in the boat, talk, look around have fun,” said Tyler. “With deer hunting, you drop off your son off his tree and you go to yours. You don’t talk.” Communication would also be a mark in his coaching, which helped bring Luck two conference titles and one regional title during his tenure. “He just said the right things,” said Tyler about his father’s coaching. “He got us to do what he wanted.” Not yelling and being positive characterized his coaching style coupled with his knowledge of baseball. The players respected him and produced on the field. Pilz had a 96-92 career record. “I would say the biggest thing was the number of kids that enjoyed being around him,” said Luck football coach Josh Hetfeld, who assisted with Pilz for two seasons. “He wanted us to have fun, play to win, but he always wanted us to enjoy ourselves. He never took himself too seriously.” Pilz would also occasionally work with neighboring young people on baseball skills when they would have yard baseball games down the street at the Opitz’s. Between 15-17 would play there a couple times a week during the summer. He kept the high school players playing through the summer too by starting the Legion program after the varsity team switched to from summer to spring ball. Pilz was known for his organizational skills as a coach, one-time

athletic director and guidance counselor at the high school. “I was just amazed when he was gone how much he did,” said Luck principal and athletic director Mark Gobler. He also noted he left things well prepared in the guidance counseling office for the next person. Pilz left the school in the spring to receive treatment for myelofibrosis in St. Paul, Minn. He had received condolences from many baseball coaches in the area and beyond. Milwaukee Brewers player Gabe Gross sent Pilz a card assuring him of prayers, and he sent a ball signed by the team. Mary noted that Gross had written the verse Psalm 121:1, 2, which had been a meaningful verse for the family. With baseball being a significant part of Bob’s life, Travis and Tyler suited up the evening of the funeral day to play for the Osceola Braves when they beat Elmwood 5-2. A fireworks display followed the game. “We decided that’s what he would have wanted,” said Travis about the decision to play. Both have their father’s No. 24 written on the bill of their caps and wristbands with Bob Pilz on it. The Cardinals baseball team will also do something similar this spring to remember the late coach. Hitting home runs may be in order too.

Luck Legion plays inspired, edges Unity Severson pitched six innings with 13 strikeouts. He especially stepped it up in the late innings striking out three in the fifth and sixth each. Travis Pilz, Bob’s son, played in the game for the Legion squad with one hit and a run. He scored in the sixth inning, which gave Luck an 8-4 cushion. Harlan Opitz then scored for a 9-4 Luck lead in the sixth. Yet, the Eagles did not back down with Rick Garbow and Chad Strilzuk both singling and scoring. Justin Bader also scored after reaching base when hit by a pitch. They cut the lead to 9-7. Collin Svoboda and Jamison Gross referbeshed the lead in the seventh with runs and held on 11-9. Gross had two runs in the contest. “Jamison has really come on, I think he’s going to be a really good player,” said Clark.

Severson fans 13 in Luck Legion win Luck Legion 11, Unity 9 by Matt Blumkin BALSAM LAKE – Luck’s Legion team trimmed the Eagles 11-9 on July 9, their second game since the death of former Luck coach Bob Pilz. Current Luck coach Jay Clark said, “I’ll never forget Bob, he wants his kids to succeed and have a great life.” Clark acknowledged his guys have played some inspired baseball of late. He especially had some strong play from pitcher Harry Severson against Unity. “Harry Severson pitched outstanding,” said Clark.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 0 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 0 6 4 Individual Statistics Luck Legion AB H R Jamison Gross 3 1 2 4 0 2 Mitchell Klatt Travis Pilz 4 1 1 Harlan Opitz 5 2 2 Harry Severson 4 2 2 Derek Letch 1 0 1 Bryson Clemenson 3 0 0 Brett Holdt 4 0 0 Collin Svoboda 3 1 1 Totals 31 7 11

Total 11 14 BB 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 3 1 13

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Unity Chad Strilzuk Ryan Flaherty Matt Goulet Aaron Schmidt Mike Schmidt Corey Tunheim Matt Chitty Curtis Nelson Justin Bader Eric Goulet Rick Garbow Totals

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 3

RBI 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4

Team Luck Legion Unity

Mitchell Klatt of the Luck Legion team high-fiving a teammate after clocking a home run against Unity on July 9. Luck defeated the Eagles 11-9.

Luck Legion’s Travis Pilz pitched the final inning during their 11-9 win over Unity on July 9. Pilz also hit a home run in the contest as the Luck Legion team played and won their second game since the passing of former coach Bob Pilz, Travis’ father. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Unity Matt Goulet Ryan Flaherty Ricky Gabrow

AB 5 4 4 4 4 2 2 3 1 0 4 33

H 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 8

Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB x 3.0 15 L 2.6 17 x 0.3 3

R 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 9 K 3 3 1

BB 4 2 2

H 1 5 0

R 4 5 0


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Tigers, Dragons era ends Teams play nal game before teaming together next spring Webster 10, Siren 2 by Marty Seeger WEBSTER — The Tigers had the help of Josh Benton on Monday night against the Dragons. Benton fanned 15 batters, and gave up six hits and six walks for the win. “Nice to get a sweep of Siren since we will be co-op next year,” said Webster coach Greg Sears. “Playing our best ball of the season over the last week.” Ben Ries started the game off right for Webster with a leadoff home run for the early 1-0 lead. Adam Daniels answered that with a leadoff double and Jordan Potvin got on board with a single. Webster capitalized on three Siren errors in the second inning for three runs, and another run in the third on two errors shortly after Shane Rossow doubled. The Dragons piled on a total of eight errors, which has been a frustrating part of the Dragons season this year. “That’s kind of been the story of our season,” said Siren coach Chad Gibson. The loss marks an end of a era for both the Dragons and Tigers, who played their last game as different teams. Next year Webster and Siren will come together—ditching summer for spring baseball next year. Siren began its short run as a baseball team in 1999 with coach Gibson at the

Bobby Smith throws to a Webster batter in Siren and Webster’s first battle of the season. – File photos by Marty Seeger helm. They were not part of the conference at that time and only played seven games that season. Since that time, Gibson has had a lot of great memories of the players, fans and parents support for the team, despite not having the best of games over the course of nine years. “Looking back, yeah it would have been nice to pick up a few more wins here or there, but I really have no complaints about the way things have gone, we’ve been very fortunate,” said Gibson, who mentioned that a lot of people played a big role in getting a program started. Some of those names included Rudy and Ruth Mothes, who were a big help in getting the Siren Ballpark off the

ground, as well as countless other volunteers, including Dave Smith, who has helped as a bookkeeper and assistant coach with Gibson for almost as long as the team has been going. “A lot of people had to make a lot of sacrifices for these kids to be able to play and we’re very grateful that that’s been able to happen,” Gibson said. Although he loves to be a coach, Gibson will not be back to help coaching duties next season, or at least for a couple of years anyway. “It’s time to let someone else step in and take it in a positive direction,” said Gibson, who mentioned that he’s looking forward to getting more time with his wife and 2-year-old daughter and 4-

year-old son who will begin T-ball soon. The Webster baseball team has certainly had its share of great moments over the years. That includes many appearances in the sectional tournament, conference championships and of course Jarrod Washburn. But of course, all good things must come to an end, and perhaps they’ll get even better. “I’m looking forward to next year,” said Webster Athletic Director Tim Widiker. “I think it’s kind of a unique situation playing against each other, knowing that you’ll be teammates next year.” Both teams have at least one more game as the first round of the sectional 1 regionals begin. Webster (6) will travel to Grantsburg (3) next Tuesday, July 17 and Siren (7) travels to BaldwinWoodville on the same date. Team Siren Webster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 10 1 3 1 0 4 1 0 Individual Statistics H R BB RBI Siren AB 1 1 0 0 Adam Daniels 4 Jordan Potvin 3 2 1 1 0 Bobby Smith 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Derek D’Jock 4 Tom Chosa 3 0 0 0 0 Blake Hall 0 0 0 1 0 John Anderson 3 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 Marcus Backman Thad Baasch 4 0 0 1 0 Totals 27 6 2 6 0 Webster AB H R BB RBI Ben Ries 4 3 2 0 1 Luke Zibell 4 2 0 0 1 Cameron Hughes 3 0 0 0 1 Josh Benton 4 1 1 0 0 Spencer Peterson 4 0 1 0 0 Shane Rossow 4 2 3 0 0 Ben Roedl 4 0 1 0 0 Donnie Holmes 3 0 2 0 1 Adam Eichman 3 0 0 0 0 Totals 33 8 10 0 4 Pitching Statistics Siren W/L INN AB K BB H R Bobby Smith L 4.3 x 8 x 6 9 Marcus Backman x 1.3 x 4 x 2 1 Webster W/L INN AB K BB H R Josh Benton W 7 33 15 6 6 2

Regular season ends for Frederic Nelson. “I didn’t think he did too bad of a job even though he did walk quite a few guys.” Meyer came in to pitch late in the first inning and held two solid innings for the Vikings with the help of some good defense. Baldwin bats got aggressive in the fourth and fifth innings with a total of nine hits for 10 runs, sealing the win and ending Frederic’s regular season without a win. “They’re hanging in there,” said Nelson. “We’re working hard still and we’re getting better.” The Vikings (8) still have a chance to win one this season, as they face Augusta (9) in Frederic on Friday, July 13. It is the first round of the sectional 1 regional. The winner of that game will move on to face New Richmond (1) on Tuesday, July 17.

Frederic ends regular season without a win Webster 7, Frederic 3 by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The Vikings took advantage of four consecutive walks from Webster to score the first two runs of the game on Friday, July 6. The Tigers capitalized on walks in the first inning as well, as Nolan Neumann walked three and hit two batters. Webster’s Spencer Peterson scored two RBIs in the inning with a hit to first base and the Tigers took an early 3-2 lead. Frederic tied the game in the third 1 2 3 4 5 10 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 Individual Statistics B.W. AB H Ninneman 4 3 Geurkiak 2 1 Scritchfield 2 0 Ring 1 1 Mcgee 4 0 Dixtman 2 1 Helland 4 1 Trickle 5 4 DeMotts 5 2 Rose 1 1 Linzer 2 1 Totals 32 15 Frederic AB H David Harlander 3 0 Andrew Kurkowski 2 1 Jake Schmidt 2 0 Nolan Neumann 3 1 Kanan Hackett 3 0 Ben G. Anderson 2 0 Claire Erickson 2 0 Peter Draxler 2 0 Bryan Meyer 2 1 Totals 21 3 Pitching Statistics Frederic W/L INN AB Josh Benton L 1.1 5 Bryan Meyer x 2.2 17 Nolan Neumann x 1 10 Team B.W. Frederic

6 0 0

7 0 0 R 4 4 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 20 R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

K 1 1 0

Total 20 0 BB 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 1 13 BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB 5 6 1

H 4 4 7

RBI 2 2 0 1 0 2 2 3 0 1 2 15 RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 R 4 5 6

Frederic’s David Harlander leaps for first base against Webster on Friday, July 6, as Webster’s Luke Zibell snags the ball. – Photo by Kris Hackett inning with the help of a leadoff triple Nelson. “For us to only give up seven from Jake Schmidt, who had the Vikings runs I guess is pretty good.” only two hits of the game. “We didn’t hit the ball, and with three Baldwin 20, Frederic 0 FREDERIC — The Vikings faced a runs you’re not going to win many games with that,” said Vikings coach tough Blackhawk’s team to on Monday, July 9, and ended the regular season Ben Nelson. The Tigers had trouble hitting the ball without a win. David Harlander took to as well with only three hits in the game. the mound and Baldwin played a picky Cameron Hughes had the first hit of the first inning, forcing Harlander to throw game—an RBI double that didn’t come a number of pitches. After walking five until the fourth inning. Ben Roedl hit an and giving up three hits, Harlander was RBI single in the seventh inning and replaced with Bryan Meyer. Donnie Holmes hit a single after Roedl’s “Dave didn’t do too bad starting out, hit. their (Baldwin) pitchers were pretty “Overall we played pretty well,” said patient at the plate,” said coach Ben

Team Webster Frederic

1 2 3 4 5 6 3 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 Individual Statistics Webster AB H R Ben Ries 2 0 1 Luke Zibell 2 0 2 Cameron Hughes 3 1 1 Josh Benton 2 0 2 Spencer Peterson 1 0 1 Shane Rossow 2 0 0 Ben Roedl 2 1 0 Donnie Holmes 4 1 0 Adam Eichman 3 0 0 Totals 21 3 7 Frederic AB H R David Harlander 4 0 0 Andrew Kurkowski 2 0 1 Jake Schmidt 3 2 2 Nolan Neumann 2 0 0 Kanan Hackett 3 0 0 Ben G. Anderson 3 0 0 Claire Erickson 2 0 0 Bryan Meyer 1 0 0 Ethan Cook 3 0 0 Totals 23 2 3 Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K Frederic 3 8 3 L Nolan Neumann Ethan Cook x 4 13 4

7 1 0

Total 7 3 BB 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 11 BB 0 2 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 9

BB H 6 0 5 3

RBI 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 RBI 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 R 5 2


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Clean sweep: Bandits take two in Milaca the bottom of the seventh either. He struck out Cody Stewart for the final out and the win. Those wins moved the Bandits out of last place in the Eastern Minny League Central Division. Their confidence level has gone up too. “We are now 6-3 in our last nine games and getting even tighter with our chemistry and team confidence,” said Lindholm. “We just need more reps and more wins.”

St. Croix River Bandits heating up St. Croix 2, Milaca, Minn. 1 St. Croix 9, Milaca, Minn. 3 by Matt Blumkin MILACA, Minn., – The River Bandits have found their sea legs. St. Croix has won six of their last nine games culminating their sweep of the Milaca, Minn., Stingers on July 7. A meltdown by the Stingers allowed the River Bandits to cruise 9-3 in the second game after a close 2-1 contest. “The second game, Milaca just didn’t seem to have much left in the tank and they gave us a lot of wild pitches and walks,” said Bandits coach Scott Lindholm. They started out hot with RBIs by Jesse Hartel and Troy DeSmet in response to an early 2-0 Stingers lead. Trevor Todd then doubled up the Stingers with a two-run single in the bottom of the second. Despite a slow start, Bandits pitcher Jim Rochford allowed three hits by the Stingers in the final four innings. He also struck out eight batters in the contest, and he had more of cushion to work with as the Bandits piled on four more runs in the fourth inning. Michael Chelberg had a much closer game to deal with for the Bandits in the first game. He allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out six, but the Bandits trailed 1-0 until the seventh inning. In his previous five appearances, he surrendered 26 earned runs and only fanned nine batters. “It was great to see Michael Chelberg do so well,” said Lindholm. The Bandits player/coach also gave Chelberg half the run support needed to win. Lindholm made it to home safely in the seventh when the Stingers dropped the ball at home plate. Then Jordan Martell scored on a RBI single by Hartel. “We knew we would take it,” said

Grantsburg 3, Seeley 0 GRANTSBURG – Honkers All-Star pitchers Bryan Johnson and Bryan Vilstrup helped their team even their league record in time to make a tournament run. Johnson and Vilstrup both pitched as the Honkers shut out the Mudpuppies 3-0 on July 8. They both represented the Honkers at the WBA All-Star game on July 3. The win improves the Honkers to 4-4 and league play and keeps their playoffs hopes alive in the final month of the regular season. Cumberland 10, Webster 7 WEBSTER – The season-long tailspin of the Webster Orioles continued against Cumberland on July 8. Pitching has continued to plague the Orioles as they gave up four unearned runs in the seventh after being tied 3-3. Four more runs by the Orioles in the final two innings would not be adequate as the Islanders won 10-7. “With both pitchers from last year gone, we have inexperience on the mound,” said Orioles player/coach Greg Sears. The Orioles lost their eighth-straight game. Area amateur baseball players participated in the first-annual All-Star Game on July 3. Osceola Braves players Cody DaNucci and Joby Davidsavor, Grantsburg Honkers players Bryan Vilstrup and Bryan Johnson and St. Croix River Bandits players Jordan Martell, Jesse Hartel and Brian Jacobson watch from the dugout as their team, the north, bats. The north team, lost 5-4 to the south team in extra innings. – Photo by Matt Blumkin Lindholm. “It was just a matter of time before we made something happen.” Chelberg didn’t let anything happen after loading the bases with two outs in

Weyerhaeuser 8, Siren 1 WEYERHAEUSER – The Weyerhaeuser Black Hens jumped on the Siren Steelers faster than they could spell w-e-y-e-r-h-a-e-u-s-e-r on July 8. Siren surrendered three runs in the first inning as the Black Hens rolled to an 8-1 win. Marty Niles of the Steelers scored the lone run after getting walked in the ninth inning.

Polk County District Attorney Dan Steffen of Osceola getting a hit for the north team. Steffen once played for the Osceola Braves, but now plays for a team in Woodbury, Minn. Game 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Individual Statistics AB H St. Croix Jordan Martell 4 1 Trevor Todd 2 0 2 4 Jesse Hartel Mitch Thompson 4 0 Brian Jacobson 3 1 3 1 Troy DeSmet Brandon Pederson 2 0 Scott Lindholm 2 1 1 1 Bob Todd Michael Chelberg 3 0 Totals 28 6 Team St. Croix Milaca, Minn.

R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

Pitching Statistics St. Croix W/L INN AB K W 7.0 x 6 Michael Chelberg

BB 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 BB H 4 4

Game 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 2 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 x Individual Statistics St. Croix AB H Jordan Martell 3 1 Preston Langer 1 0 Trevor Todd 1 1 Jesse Hartel 4 2 Mitch Thompson 3 1 Troy DeSmet 1 1 Kyle Kahl 2 0 Scott Lindholm 2 0 Curtis Roebuck 2 0 Alex Sullivan 2 0 Totals 21 5 Team St. Croix Milaca, Minn.

Total 2 1 RBI 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 R 1

St. Croix Jim Rochford

Team St. Croix Princeton

Total 9 3 R 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 9

Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K W 7.0 x 8

BB 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 1 8 BB H 1 8

RBI 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 5 R 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 6 1 0 0 Individual Statistics St. Croix AB H Jordan Martell 3 1 Trevor Todd 3 0 Jesse Hartel 3 1 Brian Jacobson 3 0 Troy DeSmet 2 0 Brandon Pederson 2 0 Scott Lindholm 1 0 Curtis Roebuck 1 0 Michael Chelberg 2 0 Totals 22 2

9 0 x

Total 0 13

R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 3

Pitching Statistics St. Croix W/L INN AB K Brandon Pederson L 5.0 x 5 Curtis Roebuck x 1.0 x 0

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB H R 4 10 12 1 1 1

Former Unity player Mitch Paquin of the New Richmond Millers pitched for the south team. Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Siren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Weyerhaeuser 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 Individual Statistics Siren AB H Jason Johnson 4 0 Wes Wegner 3 0 Adam Memmer 4 0 Marty Niles 1 1 Joe Hoffman 3 1 Ryan Schmidt 4 0 Kevin Schmidt 3 0 0 3 Nate Lund 1 4 Josh Johnson Totals 29 3

9 1 x

Total 1 8

R 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

BB 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 6

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9


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Fast and caution-free at Kopellah ST. CROIX FALLS – With less than 48 hours to recover from hosting a track record 115 cars on July 4, track crew and drivers fought fatigue and high temperatures as the regular race schedule was resumed on July 6 at Kopellah Speedway. With rapidly run heat races and just two cautions in the night’s six feature races, the show wrapped up in just over 2-1/2 hours. The WISSOTA Modifieds capped off the evening with yet another one of their breathtaking feature races. Only seven cars took the green flag, but what was lacking in quantity was more than made up for with quality. Mike Kelley Jr. started outside his younger brother Shawn on the front row and the brothers completed the entire first lap essentially tied for first. Behind brothers Kelley were Jason Schill, track points leader Scott Splittstoesser, rookie sensation Andy Miskowic and Wednesday night’s feature winner Dave Siercks – twice running four wide on that opening lap. Schill slipped by the younger Kelley on lap two, and while he was fighting to stay in second, Mike Kelley began to stretch his lead. Things were going well for Mike Kelley ahead of the five-car battle for second…until a lap 10 caution. The stop in action brought Schill up to Kelley’s rear bumper for the restart in what would become a two-car battle for the win and a fourcar battle for third. On the restart, the field once again fanned out four wide, but Schill and Mike Kelley were able to put a few car lengths on the rest of the field. Trying high and low, Schill eventually was able to slide up in front of Kelley for the lead with just three laps remaining. From there the top two cruised ahead of the still wild four-car battle for third. At the checkers, Schill picked up his second win of the season with Mike Kelley coming home second. Heat race winner, Scott Splittstoesser, moved from fifth to third in the final two laps to finish ahead of Shawn Kelley and Dave Siercks.

In WISSOTA Midwest Modified action, Bryce Johnson scored his third victory of the summer. In the only other feature race to see the caution flag, Johnson quickly jumped from the pole and into the lead. Similar to the Modifieds, the early battle for second was incredible. Tim Siercks, Mike Haseltine and Tim Swanson were three wide on a few occasions as they tried to determine who would be runner-up. Siercks would finally gain control of the spot and he set sail for the leader. Lapped traffic in the later laps allowed Siercks to get close, but Johnson was never seriously challenged for his clean-sweep victory. Swanson came home third behind Siercks, and Sam Nelson and Frank Soucek finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Andy Spofford turned in his best performance of the year as he led the first five laps of the WISSOTA Street Stock feature. Starting in the third row, Spofford rocketed to the front at the drop of the green flag. Along for the ride was fourth-row starter Jeff Heintz, and by lap six, Heintz worked his way into the lead. Behind the lead duo Jim Miller and second heat race winner, Robert Lowe, staged a spirited battle for third. The entire last half of the race, Miller hounded Lowe for the position, but Lowe fended off every challenge. Up front Heintz began to pull away as part of a caution-free clean-sweep victory ahead of Spofford. In a drag race to the checkers, Miller edged past Lowe by mere inches for third and Eric Berg came across the line fifth. Continuing with the caution-free theme was the WISSOTA Super Stocks. The front row of Tim Baxter and Greg Alling led from green to checkers as most drivers strung out along the cushion. The only driver who consistently dared to break ranks was eighth-starting Cory Davis. Davis stubbornly stuck to his low groove close to the infield implement tires and slowly, methodically and patiently picked up position

after position. The only real mover in the field, Davis was rewarded with a thir-place finish behind Baxter and Alling. Doug Fisk and Ted Marrs rounded out the top five. Bad luck continues to plague Pure Stock pilot Cooper Berlin at Kopellah this summer, the worst break was flipping his car while battling for the lead in early May. On Friday, Berlin took off from his front-row starting spot and built up a comfortable lead in his black No. 33. The gremlins bit, however, on lap six, and the bite marks let all the air out of his right rear tire. Berlin’s misfortune allowed first-heat race winner Josh Bazey to take over the point. Behind Bazey, points leader Nate Fisk was working on Mike Dyrdahl for second and rookie T.J. LaMere was busy with Joel Hinrichs in the battle for fourth. Fisk worked his way around Dyrdahl on lap 10, while Hinrichs took until lap 14 to finally wrestle fourth away from LaMere. That would be the only position changes in the top five as Bazey made it a clean-sweep ahead of Fisk, Dyrdahl, Hinrichs and LaMere. The Hornets started off the greenonly features with their 12-lap main event. Points leader Ben Johnson held the early lead before giving way to the No. D-9 Honda Civic for the third straight week. This week, however, the hatchback had a new pilot at the controls as Kyle Filip took over the driving duties for Ryan McKenzie. Once out front, Filip cruised to the win ahead of very entertaining battle for second. Ben Johnson and Jason English swapped lines, positions and slide jobs throughout the last half of the race. English would eventually come out on top finishing second ahead of Ben Johnson, Kevin Bradwell and Steven Johnson. Racing resumes with the regular Friday night program at 7:30 on July 13. For directions to the speedway, raceday weather updates, current point standing and other track information, please visit the track’s Web Site at

W a t e r c r o s s The practice pond was pretty quiet last weekend except for a few trying some new clutch changes. Everyone is still working hard to be the quickest sled on the water and at the same time stay off the bottom of the lake. It is amazing how just a few clutch changes can make as much as 15-mile-per-hour difference. It goes back to this sport being a pile of fun and a learning experience at the same time. I have had about 10 people come to me and requested that I return to racing just for Grantsburg. I am not sure if they think I can win or if they just want to see me get beat. So far this year I am enjoying sitting on the other side and watching. As of now I have not decided what I will do and maybe won’t until the day before the race. I guess you will have to go to Grantsburg and see. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 21st and 22nd of July for the 31st-Annual World Championship race

www.KopellahSpeedway.NET SUMMARY: Hornets, Feature – Kyle Filip, Jason English, Ben Johnson, Kevin Bradwell, Steven Johnson Pure Stocks, Feature – Josh Bazey, Nathan Fisk, Mike Dyrdahl, Joel Hinrichs, T.J. LaMere, Dustin Scheuer, Sampson Haseltine, Steve Baker, Fabian Jackson, Jesse Lutgen, Ray Ziesmer, Amanda Merrill, Joe Merrill, Travis Jehlicka, Rodney Jacobson, Cooper Berlin, Gordon Hibbs WISSOTA AMSOIL Midwest Modifieds, Feature – Bryce Johnson, Tim Siercks, Tim Swanson, Sam Nelson, Frank Soucek, Michael Haseltine, John Remington, Bryan Siercks, Morgan Crotteau, Tom Johnson, Dan Larson, David Merrill, Vernon Lowe, Steve Strandlund WISSOTA AMSOIL Street Stocks, Feature – Jeff Heintz, Andy Spofford, Jim Miller, Robert Lowe, Eric Berg, Paul Cornelison, Chad Spofford, Skip Lutgen, Mark Larson, Geoff Akason, Steve Lowe, Chanda Fjorden Nord WISSOTA AMSOIL Super Stocks, Feature – Tim Baxter, Greg Alling, Cory Davis, Doug Fisk, Ted Marrs, Dan Gullikson, Dan Preston, Eric Youngman, John Remington, Luke Strandlund, Harvey Fjorden, Ed Markel, Tony Gates, Doug Merrill, Denny Stordahl, Tom Ullom, Curt Myers WISSOTA AMSOIL Modifieds, Feature – Jason Schill, Mike Kelly Jr., Scott Splittstoesser, Shawn Kelley, Dave Siercks, Andres Miskowic, Dan Sellung

T h o u g h t s in Grantsburg. This is always a full weekend of fun, which is put on this year by the Grantsburg Hockey Association. For more information about this wild and crazy sport you can go to any of the following three Web sites to see photos, information and a short video about watercross racing: www.snowsclub.com, www.kmaracing.org, www.iwausa.org or www.grantsburgwatercross.com See you all at the races, Arlen Peterson #449 Retired 2006 Pro Vet World Champion

Driver (#121) Mike Dufour and (#171) Jon Dufour a father and son team from Andover, Minn. Both of these guys race Pro Stock so they face off with each other at times. At Frederic this year, the son Jon did not give any favors to his dad Mike and ended up beating him. - Photo submitted

FACC Golf Tournament set at Frederic FREDERIC – The Frederic Area Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth-annual golf tournament on Wednesday, Aug. 1. It will be held at the Frederic Golf Course. The format will be a four-person scramble. Registration will be at 11 a.m.,

with the golf starting at noon. The price per person is $50, which includes greens fee, cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. Raffle tickets donated by local merchants will be available for purchase and various games and challenges will

be held on the course. This tournament’s proceeds go directly back into Frederic. The previous year’s monies were put towards the signs at Frederic entrances. You don’t need to be a great golfer to have fun. To sign up a team, make a

donation or if you have any questions, please call the Frederic Golf Course at 715-327-8250 or Steve or Vonnie Anderson at 715-205-3394. Come join the fun on Aug. 1. - submitted


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Baseball roundups from July 3 Grantsburg 21, Siren 3 SIREN — The Pirates rallied for 21 runs against Siren last Tuesday, July 3, with 13 hits. Kevin Johnon threw a no-hitter for three innings, before Zach Phillips came in to pitch the final two innings. Johnson also led Grantsburg with three hits on the night, including a triple in the first inning. Phillips allowed only one hit—a solo home run by Siren’s Derek D’Jock in the top of the fifth inning. Grantsburg opened up with seven hits in the second inning. Highliting the inning was Trent Bonneville, who tripled for two RBIs, and Tim Josephson who doubled for two RBIs as well. Unity 14, Frederic 0 SIREN — Unity’s Ryan Flaherty threw a no-hitter and struck out seven batters in Frederic on Tuesday, July 3. Matt Chitty led the Eagles with three hits and two RBIs, while Mike Schmidt had two hits with three RBIs. The Vikings struggled not only in hitting, as they committed eight errors in the game. Luck (Legion) 19, Grantsburg (JV) 9 LUCK — The Luck Legion team went up against the Grantsburg junior varsity squad Thursday, July 5, during an evening game, producing 18 hits for 19 runs. The Pirates JV had some hits of their own however, including a three-run homer and a double in the first inning to help produce an early 6-0 lead. Travis Pilz started the game for the Cardinals. With roughly two appearances so far this summer, Pilz said after the game that he was still a bit uncom-

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Team New Richmond Grantsburg Unity Baldwin-Woodville Webster Siren Frederic

fortable with a shoulder injury that kept him from pitching in the spring. Pilz walked three batters in the first inning and gave up two hits, but controlled the game better after that. The Cardinals started the first inning off with three hits, including a two-RBI double from Harlan Opitz. Pilz hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and Mitchell Klatt also belted a threerun homer in the fourth inning. Klatt led the Cardinals in hits, going six for six with five RBIs, and Jamison Gross had four hits, including a double in the fourth inning.

B R E W E R S -T W I N S OAPBOX Next: vs. Athletics, Tigers Here the Twins stand at the middle of the season. Yet, it has been one of ups and downs. They have fought through injury, and they still have a shot at the division with a 4543 record going into the All-Star Break. In 2006, they made an improbable run after the Mid-Summer Classic, and this is mostly the same team from that run. Yet, something has to give. The Twins have struggled to score runs consistently despite having three players hitting .300 or better. Joe Mauer (.309), Torii Hunter (.301) and Luis Castillo (.305) all have been producing at the plate for the Twins. On the other hand, the Twins have yet to solve their pitching woes. Johan Santana (10-6) has had a down year while posting a 2.75 ERA. No other regular members of the starting rotation has an ERA below 4.50. Yet, Pat Neshek has been impressive out of the bullpen with a 1.70 ERA while posting a 3-1 record. Joe Nathan also has been a bright spot for the Twins’ bullpen as he has closed 16 games this season. – Matt Blumkin

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AMATEUR BASEBALL

Conf. 10-1 9-3 8-4 8-4 4-7 2-9 0-11

Overall 15-2 17-4 12-7 14-7 4-9 2-11 0-14

Scores

Harlan Opitz does his best impresssion of Air Jordan in their Legion game last Thursday evening. - Photo by Marty Seeger

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LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B O A R D HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Frederic shortstop, Jake Schmidt just missed a hard-hit ball against Baldwin-Woodville on Monday night. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Next: vs. Rockies vs. Diamondbacks The Brewers dropped their third-straight series loss heading into the All-Star break, which is a far cry from how the team started the season. Chris Capuano dropped his sixth-straight game of the season in the loss, which is also a change in the way he started the season, since Milwaukee helped Capuano win the first seven. Althought the Brewers had a disappointing finish to the first half of the season, they still mangaged to pull off their best first-half record (49-39) since 1982 when they posted a record of 48-35 before the All-Star break. Perhaps they will be able to turn things around when they start the second half of the season on Friday against the Rockies (44-44) for three games. They will then take on the Diamondbacks (47-43) and the Giants (38-48) to complete a nine-game homestand. This is certainly a welcomed sight for the Crew simply because of their ugly road record of 19-26. They currently have a 30-13 home record. – Marty Seeger

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Tuesday, July 3 New Richmond at Webster, 6 p.m. Grantsburg 21, Siren 3 Unity 14, Frederic 0 Thursday, July 5 Luck Legion 19, Grantsburg JV 9 Friday, July 6 Webster 7, Frederic 3 Grantsburg 14, Pine City, Minn. 1 Monday, July 9 Baldwin-Woodville 20, Frederic 0 Webster 10, Siren 2 Luck Legion 11, Unity 9 Tuesday, July 10 Grantsburg 5, New Richmond 2

Overall 7-0 6-0 5-2 4-3 4-3 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 1-5 0-6

Coming Up

Friday, July 13 SC River Bandits at Chisago Lakes, Minn., 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14 Grantsburg at Brill, 1 p.m. Siren at Seeley, 1 p.m. Eastern Minny League All-Star Game, TBA (at Isanti, Minn.) Sunday, July 15 Stanberry at Grantsburg, 1 p.m. Webster at Spooner, 1 p.m. Nowthen, Minn., at St. Croix River Bandits, 2 p.m. (at Oakey Park) Monday, July 16 Chisago Lakes, Minn., at SC River Bandits, 7 p.m.

Area Scores

Thursday, July 5 Falun Church League Falun Churches 15, Living Hope-Grace 0 Calvary Covenant 13, Living Hope-Grace 3 Webster Baptist 11, Frederic Free 10 Friday, July 8 Falun Church League Trade Lake Baptist 18, Siren Assembly 7 Siren Covenant 14, Faith Lutheran 3 Falun Churches 23, West Sweden-Zion Lutheran 9 Monday, July 9 Siren Women’s Slow Pitch Skol Bar 19, High Town Girls 1 Chell Trucking 23, Maurer Construction 2 T&J Logging 12, Coyland 11

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Washburn improves to 8-6 against Royals by Matt Blumkin KANSAS CITY, Kan., – Webster native Jarrod Washburn has struggled around the .500 mark since the start of last season. He’s looking to change that trend as he moved two games above the water mark with a five-strikeout performance against the Kansas City Royals on July 4. The Mariners pitcher shut out the Royals while allowing five hits and walking one batter in eight innings of action. He also gave new Mariners manager John McLaren his first win. Former Mariners manager Mike Hargrove left the post on July 1. TEAM

July 4 Royals 2006 Mariners 2007 Mariners CAREER TOTALS

League. Overall 9-5 11-6 6-9 6-9 6-11 8-15 5-11 5-11

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SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL

DATE

Overall 15-5 7-0 6-1 6-1 5-4 7-8 4-4 5-6 4-4 3-5 1-6 1-8 0-11

Tuesday, July 3 WBA All-Star Game (at Oakey Park) South 5, North 4 (11 innings) Wednesday, July 4 Siren at Exeland, 11 a.m. Thursday, July 5 Princeton, Minn. 13, St. Croix River Bandits 0 Saturday, July 7 St. Croix River Bandits 2, Milaca, Minn., 1 St. Croix River Bandits 9, Milaca, Minn., 3 Sunday, July 8 Grantsburg 3, Seeley 0 Cumberland 10, Webster 7 Weyerhaeuser 8, Siren 1 Chisago Lakes, Minn., at SC River Bandits, postponed Tuesday, July 10 St. Croix River Bandits 17, Cumberland, 2

Falun Church League Standings

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Team Chisago Lakes, Minn., Bulldogs Pine City, Minn., Pirates St. Croix River Bandits Braham, Minn., Stars

Coming Up

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Team St. Croix Ravens Haugen Knights Brill Millers Haugen Hornets Cumberland Islanders Spooner Cardinals Stanberry Giants Grantsburg Honkers Weyerhaeuser Black Hens Hayward Hawks Seeley Mudpuppies Webster Orioles Siren Steelers

Eastern Minny League Standings Central Division

Friday, July 13 WIAA Regionals (#9) Augusta at (#8) Frederic, 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 WIAA Regionals Augusta/Frederic at (#1) New Richmond, 6 p.m. (#5) Eleva-Strum at (#4) Unity, 6 p.m. (#6) Webster at (#3) Grantsburg, 6 p.m. (#7) Siren at (#2) Baldwin-Woodville, 6 p.m.

Team ` Falun Churches Trade Lake Baptist Siren Covenant-Bethany Siren Assembly Webster Baptist Frederic Free Calvary Covenant Trade River Free West Sweden-Zion Lutheran Living Hope-Grace Faith Lutheran

Independent League Standings

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1 31 17 231

1 8 8 91

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“This one is a extra-special for Mac,” Washburn told MLB.com reporter Conor Nicholl. “I think everyone is a little pumped to get it out of the way.” Jarrod Washburn So pumped that the Mariners built a 4-0 lead in the top of the first. They held on as Washburn pitched them to a 4-0 victory. He upped his season record to 8-6, and he lowered his ERA to 3.27 in his final appearance before the All-Star Break. “He has supreme confidence,” McLaren told Nicholl. “Heckuva gamer. He believes in himself, his stuff, his team.” – with information from MLB.com

JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H R 0 14 6 77

3.72 4.67 3.72 4.01

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8 187.0 106.1 1446.2

5 198 109 1429

0 103 48 682

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0 97 44 645

0 25 7 182

1 55 33 436

5 103 54 856


PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

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ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Harnessing a walleye during the summer slowdown Catching fish during the one of the busiest times of the summer isn’t always easy. With heavy boat traffic from vacationers and multiple tempting fish Marty anglers to bite, it takes a little Seeger extra work to get fish to cooperate. After meeting a The friend on a local lake Bottom Line last week on the Fourth of July, we proved that even during the busiest days of summer, fishing could be very productive. We arrived on the lake just before 7 a.m., and I was running later than I had hoped. A heavy, dense fog that settled in the night before made driving difficult, but the fog proved to be a saving grace for a midmorning walleye bite. The fog gave the morning an overcast feeling until the sun burned it off a few hours later. Despite being late, we were still the first ones on the lake, and the fish were biting as soon as our lines hit the water. The presentation of the day consisted of a crawler harness tipped with either live or artificial crawlers. Both proved to be equally effective, but were handy in a couple of different ways. If you haven’t used new artificial plastics, you may want to give them a try. Products made by Yum, and Zoom fishing lures, as well as Berkley Gulp and others all have unique products that are proven to catch fish. Lures such as Gulp, are made from a water-based polymer that is biodegradable. They smell terrible and dry out quickly if left out in the sun too long, but they work really well and fish of all species are attracted to it. They actually smell similar to the stink baits used for catfish. We also used artificial because of the feisty bluegills that repeatedly stole

A handful of walleye were caught before the fog lifted last week, and although many were just shy of the 15-inch limit, as the one pictured above was, two legally qualified for dinner that evening. It made for a splended Fourth of July feast. - Photos by Marty Seeger

This crawler harness is approximately 30 inches long from the bottom of the hook to the top of the bullet weight above the two-way barrel swivel. There are many different materials used to make a crawler harness work, but this is one common way I like to use when fishing along weedlines. crawlers off the harness. Plastics tended to last a lot longer than live bait, and when panfish tried nipping at the lure they had trouble stealing it off the hook. There were a few moments when we ran into a school of panfish that repeatedly grabbed our lures, then shortly after we’d run into a walleye that was able to hold on tight. We’d still catch a few panfish here and there, but it was less frequent. Artificials also allowed us to keep our lines in the water longer, which helped us catch more fish. Since the water was relatively calm,

Bachelor group bucks

we relied on trolling our lures along a defined weedline that was situated nearly 100 yards from shore. The lake we fished was thick with weeds, but we found a break along the weedline in 10 to 12 feet of water. It was like trolling along a wall. The closer we trolled to it, the better the fishing was. We’d get as close as possible without snagging weeds on our lures, because a walleye will ignore a lure that has even a small amount of weeds on it. Color was another factor in catching fish. Walleye are big on bright colors

On

like chartreuse yellows, greens and orange. Anything with a fluorescent hue typically has the best walleye catching ability. Crawler harnesses can be found in a variety of packages, colors, lengths and styles. In most cases they come with either two or three hooks attached to 45 to 65 inches of 12-to 20-pound test line, with a spinner that sits just above the hooks. A crawler harness can be something made at home or bought in a store. Either way I’ve always modified them to my own standards. Some harnesses you buy in a store come with line lengths of 40 to 65 inches, which in my opinion is too long. All you really need is roughly 25 to 30 inches of line attached to a two-way barrel swivel to prevent line tangles. The weight and design of your sinker that sits above the swivel will vary depending on what you have in your tackle box or how deep you plan on fishing. There are sinkers specifically designed for crawler harnesses, such as the walking sinker, but a bell or even a bullet weight will work just fine. That is especially true for the areas my buddy and I fished last week. The one sinker I tend to shy away from using is the standard split shot sinker, simply because it doesn’t glide through the water as easily. Be sure to test the lure in the water before trolling or casting it from the boat, and make sure that the live or artificial crawler is in line with the two or three hooks on the harness. If the crawler is kinked it will look and spin awkwardly in the water, but once it’s set the right way, it can be very effective on almost anything. My friend and I fished until other boats began crowding the lake, and after a few hours on the water, we had an assortment of walleye, crappie, bluegill and perch on a cooler of ice. Every fish was caught on a rig that has been proven for many years, and it’s not a tackle box secret among anglers. The crawler harness may be one of a million ways to catch walleye and other species of fish, but it rarely ever fails me and it shouldn’t fail you either.

track...

Important dates to remember are upon us as we find ourselves inching closer to the fall of the year. On July 15 the turtle season is set to open statewide through Nov. 30 for species not listed as endangered or threatened. Aug. 1 is an important date to remember, as fall turkey hunting applications are due. Other deadlines on Aug. 1 include the deadline to apply for goose hunting permits in the Collins and Horicon zones. Sharp-tailed grouse permit applications are due on that date, as well as the deadline to apply for bobcat, fisher and otter permits. Aug. 1 is also the deadline for successful applicants to purchase or transfer a Class A bear license. – Marty Seeger with info from the DNR Web site ••• Public hearings on the proposed 2007 migratory game bird season, hunting zones, season length and bag limits are being planned in four different locations across Wisconsin Aug. 6-9. The closest meeting to this area will be held Aug. 7 in Rice Lake beginning at 7 p.m. The hearing will take place at The University of Wisconsin at Barron County in R228, Meggers Hall, 1800 College Drive. – Marty Seeger with info from the DNR Web site These soon-to-be six pointers found a few trees to nibble on after the storm on Sunday evening east of Balsam Lake. This is the perfect time of year to take a drive and scout the bucks in your area. It is not uncommon to see multiple bucks together during this time of year. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Read Leader Outdoors


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Among those residents and others gathered for Golden Oaks Apartments 25th-year open house in June were (Back row, L to R): Rich Grovum (maintenance), Liz Ruhn, Maxine Callaway, Ethel Lane, Ed Berdal, Donald Danielson, Vera Amundson, Beverly Meyer, Kimberlee Harvey (executive director) and Vonnie Anderson (former executive director). Front row: Jessica Nelson (secretary), Netha Polson, Irene Chasensky, Art Baker, Virginia Schultz, Ferne Baker, Viola Olson, Ruby Johnson, Gail Lane and Melana Nelson.

Golden Oaks marks 25 years FREDERIC – Golden Oaks Apartments marked its 25th year with an open house in June. The complex was one of two federally subsidized buildings in the village which cater to the affordable housing needs of the elderly or disabled citizens. The other complex is Sunrise Apartments on Coon Lake, opened in 1970. Both apartment complexes were financed by a bond issue through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. E.W. Anderson was village president when Golden Oaks opened in 1982. The open house featured coffee, cake and a short program with music by the Out of Luck Quartet and Liz Ruhn.

Golden Oaks Apartments.

Ruby Johnson and Viola Olson, two residents who have lived in the apartments for the 25 years of its existence, were honored at the open house.

Photos by Ed Berdal

Visiting Golden Oak’s 25th open house celebration were Ruth and Frank Boatman.

The Out of Luck Quartet performed at the open house.

Frederic Housing Authority Executive Director Kim Harvey and her mother, Vonnie Anderson, former executive director.

Habitat raises house #15 The wall raising for Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity’s 15th house took place last Saturday in Grantsburg and was a great success, reports organizers. The day began at 8 a.m. with a prayer by Pastor Jay Ticknor of Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg. More than 25 people helped complete the walls and trusses on a very hot day - some veterans of many builds and some “firsttimers.” The oldest worker was 81 years old. Jerry Livingston from K Wood Truss Rafters in Grantsburg made sure that all the premade walls came together properly. Work will continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the North Park Street site. Persons interested in helping may call Julie Hoel at 715463-2894 to volunteer. – Photos submitted


PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Early Memory Loss Program starts in Siren by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Adult day care/respite care services have been available in the Siren and Webster areas since 1995. The program still exists, but the emphasis is now on reaching people with early memory loss. A variety of activities will be offered to use as many of the senses as possible to strengthen the brain. “The more you strengthen the senses and engage the brain, the better. It will help your memory through physical and mental activity and socializing with people. It’s nice to be in a setting with people who talk about it and can be a to each other,” said support Northwoods Respite (Burnett County Adult Day Service) director Julie Dalsveen. Dalsveen referred to the memory loss that all people experience from time to time, like forgetting where you put your keys, describing this as a normal part of living. Early memory loss goes further than that. It’s getting to the point where someone looks at a key without knowing what it is or what to do with it. The benefit of an early memory loss program is in maintaining memory as long as possible. “It makes people feel they are doing something about it. There is no other program like this in our area. I feel it is something that could really benefit the community,” Dalsveen said. “There is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about early memory loss. If people acknowledge that they have it, they can learn more about it. Like with any kind of a loss, you need to talk about it. Knowledge is power. You feel you are doing the best you can,” she stressed. The new program started Tuesday, July 3. Dalsveen invited people she knew to come to the Northwoods Respite Center and help build a picnic table. “It’s something we needed for the program.” The program is offered each week on Tuesdays at Birchwood Manor in Siren and Thursdays at Cedarwood Manor in Webster from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If the situation warrants, the program could be offered on another day, in the same time frame. The cost is $25 for six hours. As many as 20 volunteers are available to help as the program grows in numbers. Dalsveen is using the Early Memory Loss Program offered through the Brookdale Foundation in New York City as a model. Studies by the Brookdale Foundation showed that people with early memory loss wanted to know what was causing it and what could be done to minimize it for as long as possible. The answer was a program where they could be involved in meaningful, cognitively stimulating activities and where they could feel safe, valued and secure. There is no charge for people to come in and see what the program is like. Dalsveen can also provide referrals to other services that are available in the community. Responding to a need back in 1995, volunteers Arlene Tobias, Phyllis Kopecky, Barbara Lyga, Donna Tjader

Knowledge is power. You feel you are doing the best you can. - Julie Dalsveen

and Karen Peterson ran an adult respite program for caregivers until they were able to secure funding to hire a director. Kay Fjellman came on board as director in 1997. Dalsveen took over from Fjellman in 2003. The program offered caregivers a couple days each week to relax or get caught up with their own activities. It also provided the person being cared for with extra memory stimulation. Due to the progression of their conditions, the participants in the day care/respite care program slowly resigned from the program. The last Since then, ones left in January. Dalsveen has been revamping the office, going through the filing system, updating forms, going to training conferences and workshops and researching the early memory loss program. She has also been involved in a lot of marketing, sending out business cards and flyers to pharmacies and contacting doctors for referrals. A common misconception occurs when people say that their loved one isn’t bad enough for a program such as Northwoods Respite is now offering. “It’s never too early to bring them in. The earlier you start establishing a routine, the easier for them to continue that routine,” Dalsveen said. Transportation is offered through the Burnett County Aging Program if participants have no way of their own to get to the center. Daily programming will be on a theme basis. For example, if the day’s theme is fishing, participants might be taken fishing in the morning, have fish for lunch, talk about fishing, anything that pertains to the subject. An alternative would be offered to those who just don’t like fishing. Other themes might be gardening, sewing or other things the participants like to do. Dalsveen, a native of Siren, has a bachelor of science degree from UW-River Falls with a major in mass communication and a minor in theater. She has been a certified nursing assistant, activity director and assistant social worker at Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center in Siren. “Hands-on experience over the course of 10 years has prepared me for this,” she commented. “This is a new direction,” she went on. “We are not closing the doors on the old, but as times change, needs change. I feel like this is the direction we need to go.” The number to call for more information is 715-349-5250. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Board OKs new track, phone system by Julie Holmquist BALSAM LAKE - The Unity School Board voted Tuesday night to redo the school’s track, purchase a new phone system, get tougher on cell phone use and add an online store. Those were just a few of the action items as the district prepared for the next school year, which begins Sept. 4 The board toured district facilities prior to the meeting. Track repair was one of the items listed as a high priority by the district’s long-range planning and building committee. “The track has some issues with cracking and we’re worried about unevenness,” said Superintendent Brandon Robinson. After some discussion, the board decided that complete reconstruction would be more cost efficient than a repair. They voted to completely redo the track, approving a bid from Lee’s Sports of Little Canada, Minn. for $195,640. Lee’s Sports is the company reconstructing the school’s tennis courts. The board also approved a bid of $77,806.82 to Five Star Telcom, Inc. of Altoona for new digital phone system that is software based. “This particular system will take us into the future,” Robinson said. After several years of difficulties with the current phone system, the board included the expense on the second year of its long-range plan. “It’s lost its functionality,” Robinson noted. “People get lost in space and get hung up on.” After talking with other districts that have been customers of Five Star Telcom, Robinson said he is confident that repairs will be minimal on the higher tech model. The board also approved replacement of the district office’s carpet by Burnell’s Décor of Rice Lake, for a bid of $18,971. Cell phones This is the time of year for school handbook updates, and the board approved a few changes involving cell phones and bus behavior. “There is some strengthening of the code regarding technology,” Robinson said. “We had some problems with that last year.” At the middle school, students will now have to turn off cell phones and store them in a locker from 7:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. The new behavior code also adds disciplinary action: after the second offense, the student will be suspended for one day. “It does get to be a real issue,” said Elizabeth Jorgensen, middle school principal. “We deal with cheating, cyber bullying, photos. They’re disruptive and there is no need for students to have them during the day.” For bus rules, littering, hands and heads out of the window, throwing objects, hitting, pushing, tripping, gesturing and spitting will be listed under minor and major infractions instead of being listed only under minor infractions. The board agreed that the change would allow some discretion as to what category the incidents might fall under.

The board also approved a revision of middle school grading policy for the START remediation program, which will “raise the bar,” Robinson said. On-line Store Unity will have an on-line school store starting in the fall. Anyone will be able to order the purchase of Unity clothing through the district’s Web site. “We need to set up a Pay Pal account through S & C Bank and then we will be set to go,” said high school Principal Bill Alleva. “We’re really excited about this. We were amazed at the number of items we sold last year.” The venture will also be tied into business-type classes at the school. SAGE numbers Elementary school Principal Wayne Whitwam informed the board that numbers of students in prekindergarten and kindergarten are high at this point. Pre-kindergarten is up to 60 students, which would be the maximum of 20 students per section with the three available teachers. If no more students are added, the classes could be taught with an aide in each classroom, but if more students come into the district, another teacher may need to be added. Kindergarten is up to 70 students right now, with four available teachers. ‘We’re over the SAGE numbers on that,” Whitwam said. “We’ll see what the numbers are in the next few weeks.” SAGE, a state program that provides funds for keeping small-size classrooms in kindergarten through grade 3, does allow waivers if the class size is one or two students over the SAGE maximum, Robinson noted. In other business, the board accepted grants presented by teacher Deb Petzel to be used for after-school programs. The end of a regular grant in August that funded programs has forced the district to find smaller grants to raise funds for programs like Unity High Flyers and literacy nights. The board also heard a report on the peer review of Unity’s career and technical education. Teachers, business consultants, parents, local business leaders and students all played a part in reviewing the weaknesses and strengths of this aspect of Unity’s education, said Jorgensen. The result of the review has led the district to, among other things, set a goal of developing a vision statement for career and technical education programs, to strengthen keyboarding in the younger grades, to start some in-services for career and technical education staff, and to change some terms so they are aligned with state and federal vocabulary. A $5,000 grant was also applied for to further develop career exploration opportunities. Staff changes The board approved hiring Shaun Fisher as a high school social studies teacher and head boys basketball coach and hiring Michele Hooey as a high school teacher. The board also accepted the resignations of Lynn Steinmetz as the head softball coach and of custodian Joe Tilton.

Volunteers (L to R) Ed Dalsveen and Morry Westphal, Siren, and Jeff Westphal from the Twin Cities gave their time Tuesday, July 3, to build a picnic table for particiBob Robinson, center, is surrounded by some of his custodial/maintenence pants in the Northwoods staff on his last day at the Unity School on Tuesday as supervisor of mainteRespite Early Memory nance/transportation/custodial for more than a decade. “I’ve always been Loss Program. – Photo there for the kids,” Robinson would say repeatedly about his job. His staff submitted included (L to R): Joan Carlson, Lois Glenna, Jan MacKinnon, Robinson, Dave Conley, Ray Tourville, and Al Alling. Dewey Strilzuk has been hired to replace Robinson. “The community thanks you, Bob, for all you’ve done for us,” commented Alling at a going-away lunch on Tuesday held in his honor. – Photo submitted


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

County museum elevator addition may cost $300,000 Funding and construction date uncertain

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The cost of installing an elevator for the Polk County Historical Museum in Balsam Lake became clear during the meeting of the Property Committee Monday, July 9, but the availability of funds and the construction date was unresolved after a long discussion. The county board committee, which oversees county owned buildings, met with the contractor who will supervise the project and a representative of the historical society to consider how to proceed with the long planned project. The Polk County Historical Society initiated the project to add an elevator to make the museum in the old court house accessible and has been raising funds for the addition. The cost of the elevator had been determined but other

expenses were not known. The Property Committee hired Chris Nelson, owner of Nelson Construction Services, Balsam Lake, as the project manager. Nelson presented a detailed estimate of the total costs Monday. The elevator addition could cost $297,474, based on preliminary bids that Nelson presented. That includes $54,000 for the actual elevator and $83,500 for the brick work, the two largest single expenses. The costs include a 6-percent fee for the construction management and a $10,000 contingency estimate. Nelson said that the costs were based on work being done during the summer and fall or during the spring. Winter construction could increase expenses. Muriel Pfiefer, representing the Historical Society, told the committee that the society has $188,000 on hand for the project and had paid for the elevator. However, further discussion left it unclear whether the entire elevator expense had been handled or just a down payment. The committee was unclear whether the available funds

were $50,000 short or $100,000 short. Since the entire project is being paid by the Historical Society, the committee wanted to be sure that funding is available before committing to a start of construction. If all the money is not immediately available, options discussed included doing the project in stages to allow the society to raise more money or loaning the society money from the county’s reserves. It appeared that authorization to start construction could be delayed, possibly even until after the August County Board meeting if a loan was required. After much discussion, which included bringing Finance Director Tonya Weinert to the meeting, Pfiefer said that the Historical Society was not asking for money from the county and might have more funds that were not available now. She added that the Society’s board would not have a meeting until late August. The committee and Pfiefer finally agreed on a course of action. The Historical Society will present informa-

tion to the county on what funds the Society has and when those funds will be available. These details will be presented by Friday, July 20. The Property Committee can then receive a clear presentation on funding at its meeting Monday, July 23. If and when all the money is available, the committee can authorize the start of the construction process. If county money would be required, the Property Committee could take a request to the Finance Committee at its meeting Wednesday, July 25. Meanwhile, the committee authorized Nelson to get form bids for the project. Those bids would include the possibility that some or all of the work might not be done until the spring of 2008. Nelson said that according to the state permits for the project, the elevator could not be used, even if installed, until the entire project including handicapped parking is completed. Pfiefer added that the museum closes after Labor Day in September and does not open until Memorial Day in late May. By then, the museum may have an elevator.

Fuel prices impact highway budget County roads may not be butterfly friendly by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Fuel costs have risen sharply since 2004, the Polk County Highway Committee was told at its monthly meeting Thursday, July 5. The increase, for a department that is vehicle based, means there is less money

available for highway projects in a department whose budget increases are limited by the state levy cap. Diesel fuel, the main fuel for the fleet, has risen 74%, from an average of $1.2407 per gallon in 2004 to an average of $2.1560 through June 30. Gasoline has risen 67% over the same period, from $1.3385 to a current average of $2.2397. The highway department paid a combined total of $219,786 for the fuels through the end of June. That was $91,325 higher than the costof 2004

prices. The department will be asking for a $500,000 increase in its budget for 2008 to start funding a five-year highway improvement project. The department has said that fuel prices will probably continue to increase and any delay in starting the road upgrade project will mean that fewer miles can be reconstructed each year. Highway commissioner Steve Warndahl told the committee of a recent complaint. A citizen asked that the

county change the color of the center lines on county roads. The person said that yellow attracts butterflies and puts them in danger. Warndahl told the person that all highways follow a national safety standard for markings so drivers will be able to determine their road position in any type of conditions. He did suggest that the caller take the issue up with the area’s congressman.

Sheriff, clerk of court ask for more staff Up to six positions requested to meet demands by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “We have had no increase in our field services staff since 2001,” Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore told the Public Protection Committee Tuesday, July 10. “Demands have increased. Local governments are not happy with the amount of county support they get. There are not enough officers on duty in the county.” Moore asked for three additional employees for his department, two field officers (the deputies on the road) and an additional records clerk to help handle the increase in paperwork. At the same meeting, Clerk of Court Lois Hoff said she will be asking for two or three additional clerks for her office which prepares cases for the courts and handles court results. Hoff did not present

her staffing plan request at the meeting but said that her office can not keep up with the courts’ caseload. Moore said the choice of which parts of his department needed increased staffing first was a hard decision. He said the jail needs more help and the dispatch system which handles all 911 calls is short of people. But he said the greatest immediate need is to get more people on the road and more help to get their reports into the justice system. Moore added that after each weekend, the records clerks start processing reports early in the morning and are still trying to get caught up at the end of the day. District Attorney Dan Steffen said that his office needs the police reports to proceed with his work. Calling the reports the first step in the ladder, he said that the entire justice system grinds to a halt if there is a backup in the reporting process. Amery and Osceola are the only police departments with 24/7 coverage in the county, Moore told the committee.

The new businesses in the southwest corner of the county are demanding more protection. He said it is hard to tell someone in St. Croix Falls that the closest officer on duty is in the Clayton area. He said that more officers must be available and records help must be provided to get those officers on the road faster. The cost of a new records clerk in 2008 would be $49,500 for wages and benefits. Equipment (desks, etc) would be an additional one-time cost of $1,900 bringing the total budget increase for 2008 for the clerk position to $51,400. Each new field officer would cost $75,218 in wages and benefits. It would cost an additional $42,550 for the first year to get them on the road, for a total increased cost of $117,768 for each officer for 2008. That expense includes a patrol car. The Sheriff is asking for a total budget increase of $286,936 for 2008 for the three positions. “Staffing plan requests are a way to present needs,” committee member Robert Blake said. “I support the need

for the staffing request. This does not reflect what I will necessarily agree on when all budget requests are in and we act on final funding. Our job as a governing committee is to identify needs within our departments, not the overall priorities within the county.” Each department prepares a staffing plan as part of the budget process. Those plans show the personnel costs for present staff for the coming year including pay raises and anticipated insurance costs. Requests for additional staff are included in the staffing plans. The governing committee for each department reviews the staffing plan and sends the plan on to the Personnel Committee with a recommendation. Personnel reviews all the staffing plans and requests for increased employees and, working with the Finance Committee, decides what increases, if any, should be included in the 2008 budget.

Bicycling family completes trip around state The Ellis family that passed through our area on their bicycles in late June on the Gandy Dancer Trail has completed their 1,200-mile trip around the state. Steve, Nancy, Jenny, Katie, and Tammy Ellis arrived back in the Chicago area July 8, completing their trip in 20 days. The family camped most nights and rode on state trails as much as possible. They write, “Everyone is healthy and very tan. The girls saw a bear on the trail near Webster. He sat in the middle of the trail, then came towards them. Two of them took off the other way, but Katie stood her ground, and the bear finally stopped and went the other way.” [Katie is the 19-year-old who plans to be a writer.] The original story on the family was in the June 27 Leader. - Special photo


PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Webb Lake Chicken Feed

A large crowd attended the Webb Lake Chicken Feed held on June 30.

Dairyland Fire training

The Dairyland Fire Department held their open house and participated in training sessions. ABOVE: The Dairyland Fire Department members practice their Jaws training techniques. BELOW: Luke’s One participated in the Dairyland Fire training so members could practice landing zone training skills. – Photos by Sue Lemonds

Joe Rivera sold tickets for the gun raffle during the Webb Lake Chicken Feed on June 30.

Photos by Rick Lemonds

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents June 22, 11 a.m., Osceola Twp., 120th Avenue, .3 mile west of 210th Street, GLADIS E. WEIKERT, 80, Dresser, was traveling eastbound on 120th Avenue from her driveway. After approximately one-tenth mile, the vehicle left the roadway, entered the right side (south) ditch of 120th Avenue and struck trees, coming to rest. Driver did not know why she left the roadway (no skid marks). Driver sustained injuries (wearing safety equipment) and was transported by EMS. June 27, 5:55 a.m., Lincoln Twp., Hwy. 46, .3 mile south of CTH H/85th Avenue, #1—ERIC W. BADER, 17, Amery; #2— DUANE E. RILEY, 69, Amery. Unit 1 was in the Super Stop lot, facing east in the north entrance. Unit 2, having turned off of CTH H, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 46. As unit

2 approached, unit 1 began to cross Hwy. 46. Unit 1 pulled out into the path of unit 2. The vehicles struck. Unit 1 rotated, coming to rest, facing south. Unit 2 entered the east ditch, traveling a short distance before coming to rest, also facing south. Driver of unit 1 cited for failure to yield right of way. June 28, 7:25 a.m., Black Brook Township, CTH CC/110th Street, .2 mile north of 35th Avenue, CHRISTOPHER J. BECK, 20, Amery, was traveling southbound on CTH CC/110th Street. After cresting a hill, the driver of unit 1 observed a vehicle traveling northbound in his lane. Driver of unit 1 pulled to the left, avoiding the other vehicle. Unit 1 entered the east ditch. Unit 1 then struck a PBEC power pole, shearing it off. The vehicle continued in the ditch before coming to rest. June 28, 12:33 p.m., Apple

River Twp., Hwy. 8, 10 feet east of Hwy. 46 S, #1—LUIS C. KARL, 61, Osceola; #2— AMANDA M. MOEN, 23, Hayward. Unit 1 was stopped, facing north on Hwy. 46 south at the intersection of Hwy. 8. As unit 2 approached this intersection, the semi in front of her slowed and entered the turn lane to go south on Hwy. 46. Unit 2 began legally passing the semi on the left. Unit 1, with its view blocked, began to inch out onto Hwy. 8, eventually entering into the path of unit 2. Unit 1’s front end struck unit 2 in the passenger’s side. Both vehicles pulled off the road prior to the deputy’s arrival. Driver of unit 1 cited for failure to yield. June 28, 3:21 p.m., Lincoln Twp., CTH F/65th Avenue, .1 mile east of South Shore Drive, #1—JOYLE H. ANDERSON, 81, Amery; #2—CARL D. WOLF, 37, Amery. Unit 1 was

traveling southbound from #1209 driveway to #1212 driveway. Unit 1 failed to yield the right of way. Unit 2 was traveling eastbound on CTH F. Unit 2 collided into unit 1. Both vehicles came to rest in the driveway of 1212. June 28, 4:50 p.m., Balsam Lake Twp., 120th Avenue, .3 mile east of 170th Street, AMBER R. EGOFSKE, 17, Amery. Unit 1 was westbound on 120th Avenue, approximately three-tenths mile east of 170th Street. Driver of unit 1 was distracted by passenger and stated that before she knew it, she was in the north ditch of 120th Avenue. Driver attempted to drive out but was unable. Driver sustained a minor injury (wearing seat belt) (no EMS). June 29, 8:45 a.m., Milltown Twp. 145th Street, .17 mile north of 230th Avenue, MARGIE A. SHIRLEY, 40, Luck, was south-

bound on 145th Street. The driver got too close to the edge of the road and struck a mailbox. June 30, 4:32 p.m., Apple River Twp., 165th Avenue, 1 mile east of CTH H/100th Street, ANDREW J. BOLDER, 26, Amery, was eastbound on 165th Avenue. Unit 1 was negotiating the curb. As unit 1 crossed over the bridge, it entered the westbound lane. Unit 1 overcorrected and began skidding to the left. Unit 1 again overcorrected and began skidding to the right. Unit 1 entered the south ditch, rolling 1-3/4 times. Unit 1 came to a rest on its left side. July 1, 3:55 a.m., Milltown Twp., Hwy. 46, .5 mile north of 180th Avenue, Sgt. BRENT WAAK, 35, on duty for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department/ Balsam Lake, was northbound on Hwy. 46, .5 mile north of 180th Avenue, when his vehicle struck a deer that was running

eastbound across the highway. July 3, 3:26 p.m., West Sweden Twp., 360th Avenue, three-tenths mile east of 150th MONEER J. Street, KHAZRAEINAZMPOUR, 23, Centuria, entered a boat landing access, turning west on 360th Avenue. Driver stated while she was turning onto 360th Avenue, the vehicle “hit road on water.” Driver lost control of vehicle and vehicle entered the south ditch, striking a row of trees in the ditch, causing damage. The driver (not wearing seat belt) and passenger, KHYLIE M. YOUNG-GARAYT, 2, Centuria, (in safety seat) received minor injuries (transported by EMS).

for July 17. Carrie Thorud, 40, Clear Lake, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for Aug. 7. Karlene Parrish, 45, Centuria, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for Aug. 3. Tyler Wahlstrom, 20, Cameron, pled not guilty to sex with a child age 16 or older. Court review set for Sept. 21.

Traffic Sharon Williams, 46, Luck, pled not guilty to OWI. Court review set for Sept. 21. Sandra Swank, 24, Amery, pled not guilty to OWI. Review set for Sept. 24. Donna Taylor, 47, Frederic, pled not guilty to operating after revoked. Review set for July 17.

Polk County criminal court Felonies Brian Wilbur, 18, Buffalo City, vehicle operator fleeing/eluding. Adjourned initial hearing set for Aug. 6. Jesse Demar, 18, Osceola, manufacturing/delivering amphetamine. Arrest warrant issued. Jason Luke, 23, Amery, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, dealer possession of controlled substance. Adjourned initial hearing set for Aug. 6. Nathan Kammerud, 21, Taylors Falls, substantial battery, disorderly conduct. Preliminary hearing set for Sept. 4. Kenneth W. Johnson, 46, Milltown, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 2. Jerrico Antinucci, 24,

Baldwin, burglary, theft. Signature bond set of $2,500. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 2. Peter Juleff, 28, Amery, substantial battery, criminal damage to property. Signature bond set of $1,500. Preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 2. Eric Reichenberger, 29, Maplewood, Minn., failure to support child, three counts. Signature bond set of $2,000. Hearing set for Sept. 10. Eugene Gervais, 69, Lino Lakes, Minn., OWI, operating with prohibited alcohol content of .02 or more. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 1. Steven Stewart, 55, Amery, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Signature bond set of $5,000. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 1. Bruce Most, 39, Hendersonville, Tenn., theft by

contractor. Signature bond set of $15,000. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 1. Ronald Gehrman, 63, Turtle Lake, disorderly conduct, resisting/obstructing, possession of firearm contrary to court order. Preliminary hearing set for Sept. 11. Misdemeanors Brent Troff, 33, Amery, disorderly conduct. Signature bond set of $500. Court review set for July 31. Lawrence Peterson, 25, Dresser, receiving stolen property. Signature bond set of $500. Court review set for Aug. 13. Mary Maske, 42, Grantsburg, pled not guilty to obtaining prescription dugs with fraud. Signature bond set of $500. Review set for Sept. 21. Vanessa Mosay, 22, Luck, pled not guilty to battery. Signature bond set of $500. Review set for Aug. 3.

Amy Hansen, 28, Osceola, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Review set for Sept. 12. Frederick Porter, 45, Minneapolis, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Review set for Sept. 13. Cash bond set of $200. Justin Shrout, 22, Milltown, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct, bail jumping. Review set

Frederic police report FREDERIC – Following is a list of events handled by the Frederic Police Department for the month of June 2007: 25 traffic enforcements, 8 informational, 3 assist PCSD, 3 child custody complaints, 3 loud noise, 2 citations, 2 citizen/motorist assist, 2 open doors, 2 paper

services, 2 animal complaints, 2 aid citizen, 2 traffic complaints, 2 underage alcohol, 1 assist LPD, 1 accident, 1 background check, 1 bad check, 1 case follow-up, 1 chapter 51.15, 1 child neglect/abuse, 1 assist other department, 1 loitering, 1 theft/larceny (UCR), 1 restrain-

ing order, 1 recovered property, 1 P. and P. warrant, 1 mental subject, 1 fireworks complaint, 1 lost property, 1 disturbance, 1 littering, 1 juvenile, 1 underage tobacco, 1 found property, 1 911 hang-up, 1 drug complaint and 1 medical.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Village of Grantsburg, July 1: Dena L. Bruzek, 47, Grantsburg, was northbound on South Pine Street making a turn onto Wisconsin Avenue, and ended up turning into the path of southbound Michael L. Fox, 45, Grantsburg. Fox reported a nonincapacitating injury. Neither vehicle was towed due to damages. Town of Scott, July 2: Zoie E. Juza, 16, Sarona, was northbound on Long Lake Road when she lost control when she swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle came to a rest on its roof. Calvin D. Riley, 15, Spooner, and Megan L. Lundberg, 15, Rice Lake, were passengers in the vehicle. One of the passengers was ejected out the rear window. All three were transported to the hospital with nonincapacitating injuries. The vehicle was towed due to damages. Town of Meenon, July 4:

Kathleen J. Demarre, 55, Webster, was northbound on Hwy. 35 when she drifted into the southbound land and clipped a side mirror of a southbound vehicle. The southbound vehicle continued driving. Town of Scott, July 7: Diana L. Naylor, 46, Wilmington, Ill., was southbound on Long Lake Road when she lost control negotiating a curve. The vehicle hit several trees and a power pole. The driver reported an injury to her nose. She was issued one citation. Village of Webster, July 8: Alicia A. Byers, 18, Grantsburg, backed out of a parking space into the path of David J. Slack, 49, Turtle Lake. There were no reported injuries. Town of Jackson, July 8: Cory A. Lease, 28, Monticello, Minn., was northbound on Loon Creek Trail when he swerved to miss a deer, entered a ditch and hit a tree. There were no reported injuries, but the vehicle was

towed due to damages. Arrests Town of Siren, July 2: After police was dispatched for a complaint, Daryl D. Sheldon Jr., 35, Siren, was arrested on a Polk County warrant. Town of Swiss, July 3: Marvin L. Staples, 24, Danbury, was arrested on an Ashland County warrant. He was also cited for possession of THC. Town of Scott, July, 5: Marc A. Kuechle, 28, Eau Claire, was cited for battery, and Anthony V. Defransico, 19, Chicago, Ill., was cited and arrested for disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer, underage drinking and identification card violation for an incident at a Scott Township establishment. Town of Scott, July, 8: Isaac J. Jones, 18, Spooner, was arrested on a warrant. Other incidents Town of Anderson, July 2: Bridgett Brewer reported a fourwheeler stolen. The incident is

under investigation. Town of Scott, July 6: Scott Hay, Sun Prairie, reported a 40foot floating dock missing. The incident is under investigation. Town of Meenon, July 6: Peter J. Fischbach, 49, St. Paul, Minn., reported a homemade utility trailer taken from his property. The incident is under investigation. Town of Oakland, July 8: Charles H. Lehman, 74, Danbury, reported a homemade utility trailer taken from the end of his driveway. The trailer was for sale and was chained to a four by four post. The post was broken to allow access to the trailer. The incident is under investigation. Town of Sand Lake, July 8: Barbara A. Morrill, 65, Frederic, reported a chain saw, air conditioner, power tools and rod and reels taken from a storage shed. The incident is under investigation.

Burnett County criminal court Stacy R. Olson, 35, Webster, issue worthless check, $249.00. Stacy R. Stadler, 34, Grantsburg, issue worthless checks, two-year probation, $219.00 – restitution, $88.00; possess amphetamine/ LSD/psilocin, two-year probation, license suspended six months, complete drug treatment, $88.00. Sheena R. Belisle, 32, Frederic, disorderly conduct, $249.00. Joseph W. Peterson, 33, Webster, disorderly conduct, one-year probation, no unnecessary contact with victims, take all medicines as prescribed, $88.00.

Cordell A. Benjamin, 41, Shell Lake, disorderly conduct, one-year probation, no contact with victim, $88.00. Brent C. Dugger, 31, Star Prairie, OAR, 10-day jail sentence, $413.00. Padraic J. O’Brien, 19, Siren, OAR, $413.00. Larry E. Alt, 56, Shell Lake, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber privileges granted, license revoked 12 months. James Matrious Jr., 42, Hinckley, Minn., OWI, $1,967.00, alcohol assessment, 110-day jail sentence, license revoked 30 months. Robert S. Davis, 65,

Danbury, possession of THC, 30-day jail sentence, license suspended six months, $88.00. Faith Johnson, 37, possess amphetamine/LSD/psilocin, one-year probation, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00. Gerald Jeschke, Golden Valley, Minn., grade shoreline/remove vegetation cover, $113.00. Roger F. Fontaine, 74, Danbury, burning without a permit, $160.80. Brandon S. Hopkins, 37, Webster, vehicle equipment violations, $231.80; nonregistration of other vehicle, $249.00; vehicle equipment violations,

$194.00. Leah J. Benjamin, 27, Webster, operating while suspended, $186.00. Carl J. Christner, 36, Spooner, driving too fast for conditions, $186.60. David J. Bennett Sr., 43, Trego, speeding, $160.80. Jesse L. Swanson, 17, Siren, speeding, $211.20. Susan A. Brenizer, 49, Grantsburg, OWI, $665.50, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months. Quinn Fleury, 33, Grantsburg, OWI, $730.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked seven months.

Burnett County warrants Glen A. Demar, 50, Trego, commitment, July 3. Teanna L. Emery, 31, Siren, arrest warrant – complaint, July 6. Andre R. Fields, 25, St. Paul, Minn., commitment, July 3. Carina A. Hicks, 29, Siren, commitment, July 3. Patrick J. Jackson, 21, warrant – failure to appear, June 2. Michael Jewell, 23, St. Paul, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, July 3. Stacy L. Johnson, 25, Pine City, Minn., commitment, July 3.

Billie J. Kozak, 20, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, July 2. Mark A. Kraft, 47, St. Paul, Minn., commitment, July 5. Derick J. Leffelman, 18, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, July 5. James E. Lightfeather, 29, Webster, arrest warrant – complaint, July 6. Jeffrey L. Neilsen, 33, Grantsburg, commitment, July 3. Jeffrey J. Nerbun, 23, Spooner, commitment, July 3.

James L. Roper, 46, Webster, commitment, July 3. John B. Shabaiash, 23, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, July 6. Carie J. Sharpley, 28, Chetek, commitment, July 5. Patrick A. Shumate, 21, Minneapolis, Minn., commitment, July 3. Randi L. Songetay, 24, Danbury, warrant – failure to appear, July 5. Shameca D. Walker, 23, St. Paul, Minn., commitment, July 3. Georgene Weideman, 60,

Hertel, commitment, July 3. Greg M. Willis, 46, Grantsburg, commitment, July 3. Blaize C. Wold, 24, Stacy, Minn., commitment, July 5.

Polk County civil court Amtrust Bank, Cleveland, Ohio, plantiff. Justin Hancock, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $149,765.27. U.S. Bank National Association, Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff. Myron and Sandra Hacker, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $94,783.77. GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Columbus, Ga., plaintiff. Jennifer Larson, Dresser, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $125,657.41.

LaSalle Bank National Association, Pittsburgh, Pa., plaintiff. Angela and Douglas Mandera, Centuria, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $86,339.02. Agstar Financial Services, FLCA, Baldwin, plaintiff. Terry Sanders Jr., Cushing, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $102,027.27. Associated Bank, N.A., Stevens Point, plaintiff. John Marsh, Luck, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of payments in credit transaction in

amount of $2,526.00. Reliable Water Services LLC, Milwaukee, plaintiff. River Valley Inn & Suites, Inc., Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of lease payments for Rheem Water Heater and seeks money judgment of $10,894.63. Capital One F.S.B., McLean, Va., plaintiff. Virginia and Lance Witte, Amery, defendants. Plaintiff alleges default under a Small Business Administration note, saying the defendants owe $44,087.18.

Siren police report June 28: At 3 p.m., the manager of Acorn Pantry, a part of the Shops at the Lodge, reported that items had been taken from the store. Mario Anthony Scott, 23, Hopkins, Minn., was cited for speeding at 10:45 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive. June 30: Kelly J. Hicks, 41, Siren, was arrested at his home on a warrant from Polk County for child support at 6:22 p.m. At 10:33 p.m., the theft of three pipe wrenches was reported by Wayne Kruger, Siren. At 10:38 p.m., Adam M. Evans, 18, Webster, was cited for operating after suspension on Hwy. 35 at Olson Street. Evans had been stopped because his vehicle had a loud muffler that was not properly attached to the vehicle. Evans

was also wanted on a Burnett County warrant. July 1: Nicholas J. DeMoe, 26, Frederic, was cited for operating while intoxicated, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration of .08 or higher and unsafe lane deviation. The citation was given at 2:43 a.m. on Hwy. 35 and Tower Road. At 4:31 a.m., Casey J. Emery, 20, Siren, was cited at Clear Lake Park for underage drinking. Emery had been the subject of a search by the Siren

officer on duty and members of the Siren Fire Department when she took off running into the woods allegedly after a fight with her boyfriend. After she was found, she was taken to Clear Lake Park to be checked out by the North Ambulance crew. At 4:56 p.m., Laura M. Coulter, 46, Siren, was cited for operating after revocation. A Siren officer had seen Coulter driving by in a white truck. The citation was given to her at her home.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Jeremy M. Hollis, Webster, and Stacy R. Olson, Webster, July 3. Clinton K. Corrigan, Ostego, Minn., and Jennifer L. Mattson, Ostego, Minn., July 6. Adam B. Imme, Coon Rapids, Minn., and Nicole M. Morse, Coon Rapids, Minn., July, 6.

www.the-leader.net


PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Notices/ Employment www.the-leader.net

Polk Co. divorces Divorces granted Harold and Kay Shores. Married 1978. No minor children. Thomas and Darlene Ward. Married 1996. Two children. Divorces filed Heidi and Moises Magallanes, St. Croix Falls. Married 2007. No children.

Karen Cummings, Oakdale, Minn., and Paul Cummings, St. Croix Falls. Married 1978. Two children. Jennifer Kahl, Centuria and Kevin Kahl, Dane. Married 2000. Two children. Barbara and Russell Griffin, Clear Lake. Married 1989. Nancy and Terry Lattery, Star Prairie. Married 1987. No minor children.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Notices/ Employment Burnett Co. deaths Lonie L. Seagraves, 87, Blaine Township, June 27. Lynn L. Lener, 51, Grantsburg Township, June 23.


PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Centuria Memory Days • Parade

The Tribal Spirits Drum Troupe performed prior to Sunday’s Memory Days parade.

St. Croix Chippewa Trail Youth Dance Troupe took part in the Centuria parade.

Eliza Thayer, daughter of Shaun Thayer, enjoys a cold treat Saturday at Memory Days.

Dave Priebe was the grand marshal for the Centuria Memory Days parade.

The Centuria Crime Control float had its members wrapped up in crime tape. Photo by Erik Barstow

The Memory Days parade in Centuria included the fire and rescue truck.

People on the Polk County Special Education float wave to the crowd.

Tribal Spirits of the Sun Dance and Drum Troupe performed Sunday in downtown Centuria. They were sponsored by Harvest Moon Saloon.

LEFT - Someone at the car show had fun with an entry that included an Air Stream trailer.

The Milltown VFW Auxiliary added patriotic colors to the parade.

Photos by Julie Holmgren


PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 11, 2007

Reed School: first graduation day by Liz Petersen GRANTSBURG - July 10, saw a step back into our past. Vanessa Gabrielson of Frederic taught Reed Summer School in Grantsburg this summer. The original one-room Reed School was moved last fall to the end of the driveway at the Grantsburg schools. The original desks, blackboards, wainscoting and woodstove are still in place. The original wood floors were refinished, maintaining the rich, old patina. Many original antiques have been added to make it truly a step back in time. Large portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln grace the walls as well as an old kerosene lamp, both of which were in the school since 1910. The original Reed School bell from the tower graces the entryway. The Reed School was in use as a school from 1910 until 1919. After that it became the town of West Marshland Town Hall. All of the original equipment was stored in the attic until it was moved to its present site at the Grantsburg School. Gabrielson taught her students embroidery, readin’, writin’ and drawin’. They made homemade butter Monday, to serve on the corn muffins that were served at the graduation picnic outside in the school yard. Along with cherry pie, made by the teacher, lemonade was served from a crockery cooler. Award certificates were given to the students attending this unique, first ever, Reed Summer School. Points were calculated for the awards. The highest

Inside of the Reed School. Not the original stove.

Graduation day at Reed School at the Grantsburg school campus. Shown (L to R), front row: Cody Adolphson, Marika Gundtner, Gabby Banks, Riley Zimmermann and Vanessa Gabrielson. Middle row: Krista Hillman. Back row: Cody Tromberg, Kelsey Fiedler, Dalton Johnson, Olina Tucker and Bob Blake (driving) with wife, Marilyn. In front of the horses is Peggy Gabrielson. point winner received a shiny silver dollar, which would have been a lot of money way back when. The points were totaled, some of which were: two points each day for attendance, 10 points for good citizen ship, two points for dressing appropriately, and five points for killing a spider on the teachers shirt, 10 points for clean hands and face.

Liz Petersen of Frederic and Vanessa Smith of Hayward were dressed in vintage clothing for the occasion.

Robert Blake, and wife, Marilynn, Frederic, gave horse-drawn rides to the children after the picnic. Liz Petersen of Frederic, and her niece, Vanessa Smith, of Hayward, were guests of the day, as well as the teacher’s mom, Peggy Gabrielson who came to help with the Blakes’ carriage rides. Many parents showed up to take snapKelsey Fiedler is shown behind a shots of their children on this, their graduation day from Reed Summer lemonade crock cooler. Also shown is her dad. School. If you ever have the opportunity to step into this school when they have it open, don’t hesitate to do so. You can really feel, smell and hear the past, as you sit in one of the time-worn desks on the aged, wood floors and listen to the tick tock of the huge wall clock. By the way, following the flag raising each morning, Gabrielson never took roll call to start the day of class, until the students sat silently enough for her to hear the tick tock of that very clock. Dalton Johnson said that this was the most fun of any class he had at summer school this year. It was heartwarming to see these youngsters enjoying the nostalgia of the old, one-room Reed School. It seemed he was echoing the feelings of most of the students in this first-ever class. Dalton gave a rundown of the history of the Reed School. Kelsey Fiedler Vanessa Gabrielson and her mothgave a talk about early families to the er, Peggy, at the Reed School’s gradarea, Olivia Tucker and Gabby Banks uation day. showed off their embroidery samples. Cody Adolphson gave a thank-you and ing career. She substitute taught at invitation to the picnic, carriage rides Frederic this past year and will be teachand games of tug-of-war and three- ing in Webster this fall, after teaching legged race following awards. summer school in both Grantsburg and What fun with history for Gabrielson, Frederic this summer. starting the very first year of her teach-

Siren Main Street project ribbon cutting

Village President Jan Hunter had the honor of officially opening Siren’s new Main Street for use, just in time for Siren’s Fourth of July parade. Joining Hunter for the ribbon cutting are Main Street business owners and Siren Chamber of Commerce. – Photo by Sherill Summer


‘Follow the Leader’

Ju ly 11, 2007 • 2nd Se c t i on B• Inter-County Le a de r

Currents N O R T H E R N

THE LEADER’S COMMUNITY NEWS

The road back

With help from a large family and many friends, Nick Doriott of Webster is facing recovery from an ATV accident WEBSTER – Fifteen-year-old Nick Doriott may be hoping to keep the nickname he recently earned on the ATV racing circuit – “The Destroyer” – as he faces a new challenge in regaining his health and independence. Nick, who earned that name for coming from behind to win races, is now at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, recovering from a accident that occurred as he competed in a race at Weyerhauser on June 9. He was in the lead when he went for a jump and his ATV rolled. He lay unconscious as family members and emergency personnel arrived on the scene. A helicopter whisked him to Regions Hospital. Currently on a ventilator and paralyzed from the shoulder/neck down, Nick is able to communicate by blinking his eyes and moving his lips. “Everyday brings more progress in his speaking,” noted his aunt, Sue Weis. “He has started his daily physical and speech therapy sessions to help him gain strength to come home.” Nick’s mom and dad – Laura and Glenn Doriott – take turns staying with him at the hospital and family members are visiting and providing crucial emotional support. Nick has one big brother, Scott, and a close-knit family with four aunts and uncles, grandpa Charles “McGee” Quigley of Webster and cousins Sue, Charlie, Ben and Christina Weis of Webster, Daniel, Amy, Mackenzie and Makayla Quigley of Osceola,

Nick Doriott, Webster, on his ATV. – Photos submitted Donald, Lisa, Tiffany and Zachary Quigley of Webster and Jeffrey and Rita Doriott of Webster. Besides being an avid ATV racer, Nick loves sports and hunting, fishing and camping and the card game “Texas Hold ‘em.” ATV racing became a big part of his life three years ago – and despite the accident, Nick’s family doesn’t want to blame the sport for what happened. Nick and brother, Scott, began their racing careers at the Minnesota District 23 ATV series. D23 Racing is an organization that holds races in various locations throughout Minnesota. They both became skilled and won many trophies with Nick at the top of his racing class for the last few years. “Then, last year they joined a Wisconsin series called IRACE - where they were able to race closer to home,” said

Doriott is an avid outdoorsman and shown here with his deer from a past hunting season.

Nick, Glenn, Scott and Laura Doriott shown together at Webster graduation. Weis. “In this series Nick was given his nickname because he was able to come from behind and take the lead and keep it to the end for a win.” “Nick is always happy to see the family and friends visit with him during the week and weekends,” Sue noted. “And there is a Web site that everyone can visit to leave messages and check on the status on Nick’s condition.” The site can be found at www.caringbridge.org - site name: nickd Family, friends, Minnesota District 23 ATV series and IRACE have been helping to raise money for the Doriott family

by selling T-shirts, wristbands, raffling off a bow and many other donations. “The family wants to thank everyone for their prayers, donations, help and support during this difficult time and long road of recovery,” noted Weis. IRACE will be doing a benefit/fundraiser, Saturday, July 14 in Weyerhauser to help raise money for the Nick Doriott fund. A portion from every entry and money raised from door prizes will be donated to the family. The family will also have T-shirts and wristbands available for purchase. – with information from Aunt Sue Weis

These shirts were wore in honor of Doriott. The gray T-shirts are available for purchase from the family. – Photo by Raelynn Hunter

Close friend Jordan Werdier, center, participated in the demo derby during the Central Burnett County Fair on Saturday, driving a truck in honor of Nick DoJordan Werdier’s truck that he drove in honor of Nick at the Central Burnett riott. Shown with Werdier are his pit crew (L to R): Charlie Weis, Laura Doriott County Fair. A donation from the 50/50 drawing at Central Burnett County Fair (Nick’s mom), Werdier, Kyle Werdier and Mark Andren. – Photo by Raelynn Hunter was also donated toward the Nick Doriott fund. – Photo by Raelynn Hunter


PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Danbury

Dufour’s Campground’s entry in the Danbury Days parade was all decorated with a patriotic theme.

Horses made their way down the street at the Danbury Days parade held on Saturday.

The Shriners marched down the parade route in Danbury passing out candy to the spectators.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars lead the parade during the Danbury Days The Wild River Boys took a bride during the Danbury parade. Days parade on Saturday.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Danbury Fire Department members and volunteers served brats, hot dogs and pork sandwiches after the parade at the Danbury Fire Hall. – Photo by Jake Hunter

After the Danbury Days parade, the fire department had a dunk tank prepared for those who wished to participate. – Photo by Jake Hunter


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

My Garden by Joyce Thompson The roses are red, the Iris are blue, Red is the color of the columbine too. One azalea was orange, Blooms now on the ground. On the other, a pink one, Not one blossom was found. The lilac, pale lavender, known as Miss Kim, Blooms when all the other lilacs grow dim. My mock orange had a few blossoms one year, Now refuses to bloom, The reason, I would guess, is not enough room. I transplanted Johnny jump-ups from the lawn to save. They take over the garden, I wish they’d behave. The clematis with large flowers, but only a few. Add their beautiful color to the overall view. This spring I had tulip and crocus, Which I hope becomes a habit. Other years they’ve been eaten by the neighborhood rabbit. Sunflower seeds from the birdfeeder

fall. They take over an area in no time at all. It brings peace to sit and watch the birds in the flowers. The birds and the butterflies, I could watch them for hours. Flowers, birds butterflies, beautiful things to see. And God put them here for you and for me.

Dancing the Night Away by Dave Paulson As dusk settles in, soon giving way to the night, quietness hangs over the forest trail. The grass clearings and fields nearby will soon awaken with a jubilant courtship display. This is no ordinary nightclub scene, but rather the mesmerizing call of nature that comes in the form of the American woodcock. You’ve probably heard it all of your life. The short, nasal call, from just over yonder, that comes not long after sundown. Perhaps not the most romantic of calls, but the repeated cry of “peent” serves notice that the woodcock is searching for a mate. Their courtship

display is certainly unique and fascinating to watch and requires simply patience and a good set of eyes to witness the festivities. In the evening the American woodcock flies into a clearing and starts to strut about in the grass. As he does, the call of “peent” will be repeated over and over. Then, without warning, the woodcock will take to the sky, flying up in a whirlwind, while creating a whistling and kissing sound. Here’s where a good set of eyes is needed. The bird continues this circular flight pattern, then abruptly touches down not far from where it started. The entire process is then repeated, often for hours on end, in hopes of attracting a female. Once on Stockton Island, in Lake Superior, I witnessed dozens of woodcocks flying onto a long grass clearing near the shore, like planes landing at an airstrip on a busy day. The night was filled with calls and aerial displays unlike I had ever seen before. The woodcock may also be seen in the daytime, but usually it’s a fleeting glimpse. Often while walking a forest trail, I will unintentionally flush one from its cover. The bird will explode from the underbrush, with a whistling of wings, blur of feathers and leaves me

Writer’s Corner

feeling as I’ve just had a heart attack. Their feathers range from brown and black, to gray and tan, and blend so well with the leaf litter that they perfectly camouflage with their surroundings. They do, however, have an especially long bill, which they use to dig earthworms. The stretched bill, large eyes, short legs, and stout body give the woodcock a comical look, but serve it well for survival. The woodcock has been known in the past as the whistling snipe, bog snipe, and, my favorite, the timberdoodle. I’m still researching that one! This upland game bird is still hunted by some, but probably best left in the sights of the camera or binoculars. Enjoy their ground and aerial displays as they invite you to dance the night away with them.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words. Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy. If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Music on the Overlook Series continue ST. CROIX FALLS – If you have not attended any concerts in the Music on the Overlook Series yet, you’re missing wonderful music and a great time. Please join them on Fridays at 7 p.m. through Sep-

tember. July and August concerts are as follows: Friday, July 13, Gene LaFond and the Wild Unknown, good old rock and roll; Wannigan Days July 19-22, Friday, July 20 at 8:30 p.m., Hand Picked, a blue-

Make a neighbor’s day POLK COUNTY - Interfaith Caregivers seeks caring individuals willing to share some time to visit with seniors and disabled persons in Polk County. They currently have the following requests from residents waiting to be filled: • A disabled veteran in Clayton would enjoy visiting with another guy on a weekly basis. Time frame is open. • In Osceola, there is a disabled woman who would like someone to talk and walk with on a weekly basis. • A Clear Lake man would appreciate a weekly afternoon visit with someone who enjoys fishing, woodworking or playing 500.

• In the Balsam Lake area, there’s a woman who would thoroughly enjoy some thrift store shopping once a month. • Another Balsam Lake woman needs a visitor for her husband on Thursdays from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Experience with dementia helpful, but training will be provided by Interfaith Caregivers. One of their goals is to reach out to people in the communities that are homebound. Doing a friendly visit will give you great satisfaction and make your neighbor’s day! Please call Interfaith Caregivers at 715-483-9263 to volunteer if you can help out. - submitted

grass band and Dave Frank and Friends will open at 6 p.m.; Friday, July 27, Squibb Variety; Friday, Aug. 3, Javier Trejo Trio, Latin Beat; Friday, Aug. 10, Plan B, variety; Friday, Aug. 24, Paul Christian, Chris

Iasaak, sound-alike and Friday, Aug. 31, New Primitives. Sept. 7, back by popular demand, Feelin’ Groovy, featuring the timeless music of Simon and Garfunkel. – submitted

Locks of Love donation

Why should you give blood? Every person has a certain blood type BALSAM LAKE – Blood is a special gift that each of us holds. By sharing it, that is determined by antigens attached you can give someone another chance at to his/her red blood cells. Antigens are classified as A, B, AB and O, and each of life. If you choose to donate blood, you will those can be either Rh-positive or Rhbe choosing to be an active part of health negative. If you don’t already know your care in your community. And that is a blood type, you will find out after your wise choice. Chances are you or someone first blood donation. Below you can see in your family will need blood someday, the prevalence of each of the blood types and by making a commitment to blood and its possible transfusion combinadonation, you could be the one who en- tions. sures it is available. Dates for blood donations are Tuesday, Blood is a vital tool in modern medi- July 17, at Osceola High School, 12:30 to cine. It is used every day to teat patients 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, July 26, at Our with blood disorders, receiving organ Lady of the Lakes, Balsam Lake, 12:30 to transplants, being treated for burns or 6:30 p.m. Also on July 26, at Milltown undergoing cancer treatment, just to Lutheran Church, 12:30-6:30 p.m. – subname a few. And it can only come from mitted healthy, volunteer blood donors. Blood Type % of Population Can Be Given to Patients with Types O+ 38% O+, A+, B+, AB+ O7% ALL TYPES A+, AB+ 34% A+ A6% A+, AB+, A-, ABB+ 9% B+, AB+ B+, AB+, B-, AB2% BAB+ 3% AB+ AB1% AB+, AB-

Courtney Fischer, daughter of Cherie and Len Fischer, Siren, donated 10 inches of hair for Locks of Love at the In Style Salon, Doris Chido owner, Spooner. – Photo submitted


PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Rebuilding Trader Carlson’s root cellar by Evelyn Carlson (11815 Town Hall Road Frederic, WI 54837-9628) Before electric lights and the invention of freezers and refrigerators, most people had a root cellar for year-round food storage. We recently rebuilt the old one near our house in Trade Lake and are relearning what our grandparents knew—a root cellar is a very special and useful place! As energy costs continue to increase, I wonder if they may again become popular. The cellar sustained the family through the winter months with apples, carrots, turnips, potatoes, salt pork and smoked meats. Milk, cream, cheese and butter were stored in the cellar to stay fresh and cool. The cellar also could be used for canned foods like tomatoes, peaches, pears, peas, green beans, canned meats and fish. Basically anything you wanted or needed to keep cool were placed there. The cellar could keep most foods fresh for two months or longer. Shelves were built and they had to be placed away from the walls and the bottom shelves could not be close to the floor. The reason for that is, the cellar needed a good air flow around the foods and the good air flow discouraged mold from growing. The natural moisture in the earth floor helped keep the humidity high. The humidity would keep the vegetables from getting shriveled. A pitched or arched ceiling was supposed to help keep down condensation. You wanted to make sure no condensation dripped on to the stored food. The cellar kept foods from freezing in the winter months and was usually 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the daytime summer temperatures. Our house and the root cellar in the hill behind it were built by “Trader” John Carlson, more than a century ago near his Trade Lake store next to the town hall. Trader Carlson was my husband, Jack’s, grandfather. He was a prominent store owner and businessman in Trade Lake in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was noted for the large amount of business he did with settlers and Indians. When we arrived here, the cellar wasn’t like it was years ago. Years, weather and neglect changed the original structure features, but the charming character still peeked through. The root cellar was built for our grandparents in the early 1900s. It is called a hillside cellar. It was dug into the hill out back of the house with pick and shovel. We can’t imagine our grandfather doing that work himself; he was more of a businessman. Grandfather most likely had hired someone to do the work for him. The inside of the root cellar measures approximately 10 feet by 10 feet; a very nice size. The four walls were lined with huge boulders and rocks, there were wood walls above that and it was finished with a gable (pitched) roof. By the time we arrived here, the cellar was in great need of repair. The front wall had collapsed and the upper wood walls and roof had rotted and had fallen into the cellar. When we emptied all the debris from the cellar we found a nice sand-packed floor. Large drums must have sat in there at one time since there were large ring marks still pressed deep into the sand. We got rather excited. Maybe there were still large drums sitting beneath the sand. But digging proved that idea wrong. We were disappointed that we didn’t find anything really interesting as we cleaned the cellar out, just a couple of old mason jars, one having “The Ball Jar, Patent, Nov 30th 1858” on it. I liked the earthy pungent smell of the old cellar. The smell of damp sand and

Trader John Carlson built a large home next to his store in Trade Lake befitting a prosperous businessman. His grandson Jack and wife Evelyn live there now. - Photo by Russ Hanson dirt, and the old wood; that old building smell, fit the cellar well. We put another roof on to try and preserve what cellar there was, but after a time the wood began to rot. We tried again, but after a few years passed by we found we had to try something different. We really didn’t need it as a root cellar to store food in. We decided we needed it more for a storm cellar since we have no basement and to also use it to store yard toys. We got to work and cemented in and around the boulders and rocks on the three walls. The front wall was down so we rebuilt the wall with filled concrete block and reinforced rod. We decided to have a concrete floor instead of leaving it sand. We figured the concrete floor would help keep the bottom boulders in place. Along with that it would be easier to keep clean and it seemed a better idea for what we were going to use the cellar for. We hauled six sections of Span Crete from Blaine, Minn. We had to haul one section at a time because the trailer could not handle any more than that. Those trips back were very nerve-racking. I do believe we felt every bump in the road and we crossed our fingers at every hill and curve. Needless to say, I had quite a neck ache for a few days from sitting turned in my seat to keep an eye on the trailer, making sure the trailer was OK and that the section hadn’t shifted. Each trip back we were relieved to see the sight of the house just ahead. A friend was there to greet us with a backhoe loader. He would remove each section from the trailer and raise the section to the top of the cellar. We all gave a loud sigh of relief as each section was placed on the top of the cellar and the walls held. We put a storm door in the front wall. Later on we added a screen door so when we did sit in the cellar with the door open, the mosquitoes couldn’t get to us. Of course now that we sealed the three walls, closed up the front with block, added a concrete floor and ceiling and put on the tight door, the cellar lost that old earthy smell. On a hot, humid day we can sometimes smell a little of that old smell, but usually it is just a damp closed-in smell. Since we have it tightly sealed, the temperature in the cellar wouldn’t be productive for storing foods as it was before. The changes we made certainly have had to alter the way nature naturally kept the cellar at the right temperature and humidity for storing food. But now we have a solid structure to

Jack and Evelyn Carlson stand at the entrance of the rebuilt root cellar. It was 90 degrees outside, but inside the temperature was cool and comfortable. - Photo by Russ Hanson

Behind the auto with the 1935 license plate, Trader Carlson’s original hillside root cellar. Note the little building above it and the rocks piled on the sides. Inside the car are Shirley and Don Carlson ages 7 and 5. - Photo from Jack Carlson head for when a storm does approach, which is important to us. When an alert is sounded you will find us filling a cooler with water, pop, maybe some beer and some goodies to eat. The flashlight, lantern, weather radio, cell phone, camera, chairs, book and what other needs of comfort we might want, follow in with us. We have sat comfortably and watched many a storm pass over and we have at times pondered the thought; did grandfather rush his family into the cellar when a storm was coming too. When our grandchildren are here visiting, it is a nice, cool playhouse for them to enjoy and create their fantasies and they seem to be comfortable sitting through a storm in the cellar with us. In the tiniest way, history seems to repeat itself. ••• Coming Events: • Stories of the Trade River Valley for sale at Trade Lake Valley Store, Atlas Store, Vern’s Cushing Market, Leader offices or send $17 to SELHS, Box 731, Cushing, WI 54006 • July 26-29 - History at the Red School House—Polk County Fair • Sunday July 29, 11:30 - Trade Lake Mission Church annual summer service. Potluck lunch after service. Stan and Russ will be there to autograph the

last of the Trade River Valley books and gather stories and pictures for the next one. • Saturday Aug. 11 - Cushing ’65 Social Club invites the SCFHS students from the ‘60s to a potluck reunion at the Atlas Park all afternoon. Free! Pictures of grandchildren encouraged. Bring your own refreshments. • Saturday Aug. 18 - Cushing Fun Days • Saturday Sept. 1, 2 -7 p.m. - Cushing Tigers Baseball Reunion—Cushing Community Center (sponsored by SELHS). Let those Tigers, fans and sports history buffs know early so they can attend! • Saturday Sept. 22 - The second-annual River Road-Hwy. 87 Ramble. We invite everyone take a fall color tour from St. Croix Falls north to the Burnett County line and then loop back. If you live along the way, plan a do-it-yourself event, garage sale, farm market, open house, business sale, lunch, historic site, etc to take advantage of the huge influx of rich people wanting to spend money along the tour! Contact RiverRoadRambler@gmail.com for more information, or look at our last year’s Web site home.earthlink.net/~ramble/ to see details.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Sharing Sharen’s letter Sharen and Ed Kaatz, formerly of Trade Lake, are now residents at the VA home in King. Sharen and I are longtime friends and make good use of the U.S. mail service. In a recent letter, Sharen wrote about her grandma. Whenever Sharen’s family Bernice needed farm stuff, they’d go to Sears and then stop at the Abrahamzon home of grandparents, where they’d drink coffee from those heavy, white cups from the dime store. They’d also enjoy some of grandma’s baked goods. The yellow canaries would sing and sing, and grandma would cover the cage with a kitchen towel, made from a chick-feed or laying-mash sack. Then the birds wouldn’t make so much noise and the folks could visit. Grandma made the best doughnuts, big, light, with coarse sugar covering them. She made Bismarks filled with her good boysenberry or strawberry jam. You name it, she made it. We would wander down to the ends of the vegetable garden and the compost pile. She had dumped a crate of apricot peels and their pits. They were raw and conditions were right. They sprouted like crazy, so she transplanted several into her already-crowded orchard. She also had gooseberries and currants. We had little besides apples, plums, pin cherries, chokecherries and June berries (the latter called correctly Saskatoon blueberries). They were best if the weather was nice and wet, and no frost or army worms. We had a nice apple orchard at the old Klammer place and lots of wild plums. There were yellow ones that Mom canned to be later made into jam or jelly. We had Whitney crabs from one tree, and those had to be picked by hand, so not to bruise them, to be made into sweet, spicy pickled apples. They were sickeningly sweet and soft, and juicy. The brine was sugared and spiced with whole cloves and stick cinnamon. The whole house was redolent with the fra-

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

grance. They were good to eat fresh as a table snack and the reddish stripes were pretty. The trees all got a large dump of wood ashes and a bushel of manure, but I don’t think my dad had his mother’s finesse. She would be so pleased to get a little pine seedling or a bale of marsh hay, and I can still see my Grandpa Gust wandering the pasture closest to the barn, and picking up dried cow pies for grandma. Her two sons at Mora were farmers, and it seemed one raised more and different things than the other. Dear Sharen, You have made me hungry, for those raised doughnuts and Bismarks and pickled apples! We had an old-time orchard at my childhood farm downstate with many varieties of apples including russets and wealthies. In August we waited for the wealthies to ripen and we made Dutch apple cakes. My friends today are amazed that I have the patience to slice, peel apples and line them up so carefully on top of the dough, which is similar to baking powder biscuit. Once here in Lewis I found a tree with dark blueberries on it and made a pie. It did taste like blueberries! I wrote about it, and readers called and asked “Where did you find a Juneberry tree?” It was close to power lines and was sacrified to progress by the utility crew. But that year I felt pleased with my discovery and wrote: “I made a Juneberry pie on the Fourth of July.” Pin cherry trees are disappearing, too, and our one wild apple tree fell in a storm. I see wild strawberries in bloom, but I never see the fruit. At one time I used to make a few glasses of wild strawberry jam. It’s now a thing of the past. So are wild hazelnuts. But in our minds, we can conjure up indescribably dear memories and almost taste them again. So glad, Sharen, that you jogged my memories, too. Until next week, Bernice

Crop reporting deadline nears MADISON — Producers are reminded that crop acreage needs to be reported to their local Farm Service Agency office by July 16. Acreage reports are required for program eligibility and mandatory for producers who participate in the FSA programs such as the Direct and Countercyclical Program, 10-15-year Conservation Reserve Program, Commodity Loans, Loan Deficiency Payments and the Noninsured Assistance Program. “Producers are also reminded to report any prevented or failed acreage as soon as possible to their local FSA office,” stated Ben Brancel, state executive di-

rector of FSA. “This will ensure compliance with current farm programs and possible eligibility for future programs.” After the July 16 reporting deadline, producers will be charged a minimum late-filing fee of $46 per farm. Acreage reports may be revised at any time without a late-filing charge as long as the crop may be verified in the field. To avoid late-filing charges, please contact your local FSA today to make an appointment or to receive additional information. — from FSA

Polk County Historical Society partners with Polk County Genealogy Society BALSAM LAKE – The summer service project at the Polk County Historical Museum, downtown 120 Main Street, Balsam Lake, will be every Monday afternoon June through Aug. 27 from 1 - 4 p.m. The genealogy society will be available for family tree research. They also are working to assemble a complete inventory of family names from all Polk family histories, which will be available at the museum. The genealogical society

is proud to develop concise and accurate family histories and assist in the exchange and dissemination of information for genealogical investigation. The Polk County three-story historical museum is open daily noon - 4 p.m. Come and visited their new 1950 display and other rich Polk County memorabilia. – submitted

Local travel business changes its journey FREDERIC – After 10 years of helping travelers with their vacation plans for anything from a rail trip on Amtrack to a hunting safari near Zimbabwe, Africa, Linda O’Donnell has closed the doors of her Four Seasons Travel business in Frederic. O’Donnell has operated her home-based business since 1997 and, for the past eight years, has escorted 50 people to the NASCAR races in Las Vegas in March. However, a substantial decrease in business, especially this past winter, has caused her to look at the financial practicality of continuing the business. She thinks perhaps travelers becoming more comfortable in making their own reservations and the financial burdens of today’s economy are factors in the decrease of busi-

ness. The business officially closed Friday, June 1, when phone calls were referred to her home number of 3274954. O’Donnell will continue to be available for clients who have reservations for travel in upcoming months. She encourages people to call Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Rice Lake for their future travel needs. People also have the choice of Luck Travel, Luck, or Sun Travel in Webster. O’Donnell has enjoyed helping clients with their travel plans and tried to make a point of catching up with her travelers after their return home to hear about their trip. – submitted

Do you remember ? Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago A free road atlas was available at the Frederic Firestone Store for customers.-Specials at Route’s Super Market included picnic hams at 37¢ lb., lemons at 49¢ dozen and sardines at 3 cans for 25¢/-Larry Peterson, Siren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Peterson, won a scholarship at Wisconsin State College – Superior.-There were 24 Siren Boy Scouts who attended the Jamboree at Frot Francis, Canada. They were accompanied by Kenny Swanson, assistant Scout leader, and All Gill, bus driver. That was the only group in Wisconsin invited to the Canadian Scout Jamboree.-The tourist rooming house permit held by J.S. Chichester, operator of the Riverside Cottages, Rte. 1, Spooner, was suspended by the State Health Officer.-Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included cheddar cheese at 59¢ lb, watermelon at 99¢ each and Kool-Aid at 37¢ for 10 pkgs.-The Museum of Woodcarving was located one mile south of Spooner on U.S. Hwy. 63.-A wedding dance was held June 29 at Indian Creek hall for Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Heinze with music by Dana Yelle.Walt Disney’s “Cinderella” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-The film, “Friendly Persuasion,” was playing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck, starring Gary Cooper.-Glockzin’s Restaurant in Frederic was completely set up for cafeteria service every day except Sunday and holidays.

40 Years Ago The Webster Locker Plant announced the opening of its fresh meat counter.-Emma B. Nielsen had a June 16 auction 2-1/2 miles north of Luck or first place south of the Coffee Cup on Hwy. 35. The listing included antiques and machinery.-The engagement was announced of Linda Joy Hunt of Siren to David Lester Anton, Siren.-Kathy Holst, Loueen Wikstrom and Ida Wikstrom had a garage sale on June 17 at the Jim Wikstrom place.-A wedding dance was held June 17 at the Indian Creek Hall for Mr. and Mrs. John Hayman (Judy Nelson) with music by the Peterson Bros.-Queen candidates for Miss Frederic included Ann Bengston, Trudy Benson, Debbie Dversdall, Ellen Olson, Andrea Rudell, Cathy Schonebaum and Janet Struck.-Frederic Family Days ran June 24 -25.-New owners, Clara Rasmussen and Elna Anderson, were in charge of the Turner Hotel, Frederic, having purchased it form Harvey Turner, and they moved into an apartment at the Karl Benson residence.-Specials at the Leader office included subscriptions at $4 a year, typing paper at 70¢ ream and desk blotters at 5¢ each.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included catsup at 5 bottles for $1, Miracle Whip at 49¢ qt. jar and bananas at 7¢ lb.-Frederic Co-op specials included sugar at 88¢ for 10-lb. bag, toilet tissue at 8 rolls for 77¢ and free icecream cones all day Saturday.

20 Years Ago The Business of the Week was a Danbury restaurant opened by the St. Croix Tribe called the Chippewa Corners Café.-Leanna Scott, a sophomore at the Siren school, participated in the National Music Teachers Association Competition held at UW-River Falls in late April, receiving outstanding ratings. Her piano program included eight pieces by Mozart, Chopin and Bartok.-A jury trail date was set for a Bone Lake store robbery.-Frederic graduated 45 seniors in 1987.-Mark Bjorklund, 18, of St. Croix Falls, said he felt good with a new heart transplant after his own heart muscle deteriorated.-Debra Baker was Frederic valedictorian and Leah Nelson was salutatorian. Other honor students were Diane Sanborn, Eric Pelle, Melissa Heinrich, John Lindblom, Dawn Edling, Steve Redman, Kari Svoboda and Heidi Funne.-Busness of the Week was Jack Houliston’s Small Engine Sales and Service in St. Croix Falls.-Frederic nursing employees who were honored included Doris Lindquist (five years); Bonne Zbleski (10 Years); Doris Stotz (10 years); Mavis Klucas (15 years). The newly hired director was Phyllis Kopecky.-Three charter members of the Frederic Hospital Auxiliary were pictured, including Ethel Oleson, Florence Fremont and Edith Anderson.-Ray and Alma Abbas had a May auction at their place north of Webster.-Charlie Anderson was the new Citizen of the Year at Frederic.


PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center Monday was a quiet day a the center with only a handful of the regular congregate diners present, but Harold Peterson, Gene Johnson and Bruce Behrens enjoyed getting in a couple of games of pool. In addition to the 15 congregate diners that enjoyed Deb’s barbequed chicken dinner on Tuesday, there were 14 red-hatted ladies that also had lunch there too, with Jane Wardean as hostess. They also stayed afterward for several games of dime bingo. Ella Livingston also stopped by for a visit and reported that her mother, Edith Sage, is very ill. Gladys Beers and daughter Darlene Rogers of Menasha, Gladys’ sister Roseanne Buck of Watseka, IL and their brother Edward Kraft and daughter Sharon Koenigs of Waupaca, Wis., returned to Webster on Tuesday evening after spending a few days in Wilton, N.D. at their annual family reunion. They stayed to visit with Gladys and other family members until Saturday when they all returned home. Dime bingo was not played on Wednesday as the center was closed for the July Fourth holiday. Some of these regular players took the opportunity to play regular bingo at the Webster Lioness activities at the community center. In addition to bingo, the Lioness members served homemade pies and ice cream and sponsored a children’s icecream giveaway during the parade. There were so many people in town for the parade and other activities that people parked their cars all the way from Wayne’s Foods on the south side to the Burnett Dairy Co-op building on the north end of town. Daughter Heather and Greg Stahl also attended the activities with children Ricky and Gabby and then brought brats to Elden and I as they knew we were home out of the stifling heat. I would have enjoyed watching the fireworks in the evening at the St. Croix Tribal Powwow arena, Danbury, with Margel Ruck, but stayed home because of the heat. Margel and Dorothy Bothman went and enjoyed the magnificent show along with hundreds of other spectators. Leon Mansfield had a doctor’s appointment at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis on Friday and Deb Korhonen took over his home-delivered meal route in addition to preparing all the meals. Good job, Deb! Charles “Scotty” Scott, Renelle Sears, Doug Plath and others from the fair board did a wonderful job and spent many hours in getting the fairground buildings and grounds ready for the fair and then overseeing activities during the fair and cleanup on Sunday. It was nice to have Stipes Shows here with their rides and carnival activities and I hear that the fair’s attendance of approximately 8,000 Wednesday through Sunday was “the best ever.” Deb and Carol Berglind volunteered to work at the horse pull and had loads of fun besides. The annual Burnett Community Library Authors Lun-

468-2520

cheon will be held this Saturday, July 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Community Center. The cost is $6 for adults and the featured author is Catherine Tripalin Murray who will be sharing her memories of North Sand Lake. The Webster Lioness Club will be furnishing salads. Don’t forget that the annual Burnett County Senior Citizen Picnic at Siren Crooked Lake Park is Wednesday, July 18, at noon. Be sure to register in advance at your own senior site for this as soon as possible because your time is running short. Thursday, July 19, is the date set for the Webster all school reunion that will be held at Ike Walton Lodge on Big Yellow Lake. Social hour is from 11 a.m. to noon with lunch following. Contact the Lodge at 866-7101 for reservations. Grace United Methodist Church, Webster, will again be holding a High Tea on Saturday, July 28, at 1 p.m. with the gentlemen serving the ladies. Call 866-8646 for ticket information. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event. I have attended in the past and it was wonderful! The next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society Luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 31, at Log Cabin Store & Eatery at 30217 St. Rd. 35 and 77, Danbury, so mark your calendars. Our get well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Norma Martin; Helmi Larson; Edith Sage; Elaine Burton; Laura Cornelison; Shirley Holmes; Edythe Spafford; and Judy Baker’s son Antone (Tony) Gronski who is a patient at a hospital in Duluth. Special recognition to the Webster Lions Club for donating lettuce, dinner rolls, cucumbers, onions, crackers and packaged au gratin potatoes; Leon Mansfield-bag of ketchup; Thelma Klugow and Theresa Gloege-candy; Maxine Stone-three bags of paperback books; Gladys Packer-coffee cake; and the anonymous donors of two bags of aluminum cans. Someone once said “A call for a decision is a cause for division.” Choice involves change, and change makes some people uncomfortable. Jesus said that a decision to follow him would mean changes in relationships. Some family or friends may misunderstand you after you start living for Christ. Some may say you think you’re too good for them, or others may shun you. Thus, Jesus is a divider of families and friends. It hurts to be rejected or ridiculed by those close to you, but Jesus said it would happen. You are united with him, and he will never leave you. “Your choice to follow Jesus Christ, some people will not understand; still others will resent the change-but have no fear, he’ll hold your hand.” -Egner. “Do you suppose that I came to earth to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.”-Luke 12:51. See you at the center!

Dewey - LaFollette

Written for last week. Hank and Karen Mangelsen went with Ray and Cheryl Olson and Linda and Jack Peterson to Adventures in Siren Tuesday for dinner. Later, they enjoyed ice cream with strawberries at the Olson cabin. Pauline Cruz from Colorado Springs, Colo., was an overnight guest of Judy Albee Tuesday. Cheryl and Ray Olson and Jack and Linda Peterson were lunch guests of Gerry and Donna Hines Wednesday. Nina and Lawrence Hines visited John and Diana Mangelsen Wednesday. Donna and Gerry Hines went with Don and Mary Olson for dinner Wednesday evening to Pair O’ Lakes near Spooner. Judy Albee visited Don and Charlene Strabel Thursday evening. Dean and Lorraine Kendall were overnight guests of Nina and Lawrence Hines Thursday. They enjoyed lots of visiting and playing cards. Beverly Brunclik visited Judy Albee Friday evening. Don and Lida Nordquist went to Medina, Minn., Saturday to attend the wedding of their great-nephew, James to Catie Brackin. Hannah and Grace Mangelsen were overnight guests of Karen and Hank Mangelsen Saturday. Other visitors over the weekend were Holly Mangelsen, and April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close. Lorraine Crosby is recuperating at home following knee surgery on Wednesday. She is wished a speedy recovery. Chad, Jenny and Aubrey Harrison visited Lawrence and Nina Hines Sunday afternoon.

Written for this week Sympathy is extended to Marlene Jadwinski and other family members and friends, due to the death of Marlene’s sister, Joan (Liebgott) Phillips. Joan lived in Hertel a number of years ago. Nina and Lawrence Hines went to Richfield, Minn., Tuesday and stayed overnight with Sue and Colin Harri-

Mary Klar

Engagement

Losier/Rother Dave and Nancy Losier are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Losier of Minneapolis, Minn., to Aaron Rother of Hastings, Minn., son of Jerry and Judy Rother. Danielle is a 1997 graduate of Bethany Academy and works as a personal care attendant while pursuing her B.H.S. in human services at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn. Aaron is a 1992 Hastings High School graduate and is the advertising director of the Farmington Independent and the Rosemount Town Pages. A wedding is planned for Dec. 29, 2007, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Dresser, officiated by Danielle’s grandfather, Pastor John Baxter. The couple gives all glory to God for the blessing of their united lives and families.

Engagement

Karen Mangelsen

son. They celebrated the Fourth of July Wednesday and then returned home. Donna and Gerry Hines hosted a Fourth of July potluck picnic Wednesday. Nineteen people attended. Special guest was Dorothy Hines. Lida Nordquist’s birthday was celebrated. Judy Albee had supper with Don and Charlene Strabel Wednesday evening. Visitors of Hank and Karen Mangelsen during the week at various times were April, Dave, Patty and Many Close, Larry, Celie, Baxter, Holly, Jake Hannah and Grace Mangelsen and several of Holly’s cousins. Patty, Mandy, Celie and Baxter stayed overnight Thursday. Lida and Don Nordquist went to Hudson Saturday to attend the graduation open house for their great-nephew, Stan and Doris Hopp are proud to announce the enVictor England. gagement of their daughter Trisha Lee Hopp to Kevin Karen and Hank Mangelsen visited Maxine Brochu in Superior Saturday, then they traveled to Two Harbors, Randall Jenderny, son of Fred and Sandy Jenderny. A Minn., to attend the wedding of Rachel Ursin and Joseph September wedding is in the works. Schiff. Rachel is Hank and Karen’s great-niece. On the way home, they stopped at the Webster fair. Dick and Phyllis Ehlers were Saturday visitors of Sue and Roger Mroszak. They all enjoyed an evening meal at Calderwood. Lorna and Allie Erickson took Nina and Lawrence Hines out to eat Saturday evening. Congratulations to Jordan Faith Lawrence, daughter of Daniel and Stephanie Lawrence, who was dedicated at Cornerstone Church in Spooner Sunday morning. Ronda Mangelsen attended the ceremony. Supper guests of Beth and Garry Crosby Sunday were Shorty, Melissa, Tyler and Katie Crosby, Tom, Sunshine and Isaac Crosby, Darrell, Erika and Mark Crosby, Donna and Gerry Melin and Judy Albee. Shorty’s birthday was celebrated. Congratulations to Matt Lester, who won a grand champion ribbon on his log bed at the Webster fair. He also won quite a number of blue ribbons on his photography entries.

Hopp/Jenderny


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Siren Senior Center

349-7249

It was really a hot time in the old town last week with the great Fourth of July celebration and the beastly hot weather. But hearty souls that we are, we sweated it out. My family finally got around to putting the two air conditioners in on Saturday so we know we are in for some nice cool weather for the rest of the summer. The Dining at Five dinner will held on Thursday, the 12th. I don’t think that Shirley Holmes will be up to preparing the dinner due to a few more complications, but Dolly Peterson will be on board and she does a fine job also. Our diners will also be entertained with some great music with their dinner by Bob Gacek. Bob entertained us last year and everyone really enjoyed his music. Our monthly senior meeting will be held on July 17 (next Tuesday), so be sure and put that on your calendar. We will also celebrate our birthdays for the month with cake following the meeting. Sorry to report there was a little mixup in our dime bingo game last Tuesday. Apparently our two main callers were unable to make it and no one felt capable of calling, so our

Kurkowski/Sears Mike and Lorraine Quatmann and Mike and Lori Kurkowski would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Wendy Lynn Kurkowski, to Aaron Thomas Sears, the son of Darrel and Renelle Sears. An Oct. 19 wedding is planned. – submitted

Engagement

Normann/Jorgenson Kristy Normann of Delafield, and Darren Jorgenson of Wisconsin Dells, have announced their engagement. Parents of the future bride are Larry and Pam Normann of Delafield. Parents of the future groom are Craig and Delane Jorgenson of Luck. Kristy is a 1998 graduate of Kettle Moraine High School and a 2007 graduate of the UW- Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling. She is employed with Columbia County as a clinical therapist. Darren is a 1998 graduate of Luck High School and a 2000 graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire with a degree in police science. He is employed by the Lake Delton Police Department and is a captain in the Delton Fire Department. They are planning an Oct. 20, 2007, wedding at St. Paul Catholic Church, Genesee.

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group couldn’t play. We apologize and promise this won’t happen again. We have received a new supply of reading material for our library from Bea and Lloyd Talmadge and another generous donors this week. Bea and Lloyd brought in a bag of westerns (a favorite) and we received three bags of mysteries to add to our book collection. Due to the Fourth of July holiday we couldn’t play 500 this week, but we did have our usual Spades game on Friday. The winners were Ed Berdal, Marjorie Nyberg, Ann Smith and Sue Newberger. Remember we have dime bingo on Tuesday, 500 on Wednesday and Spades on Friday, all starting at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us. Get well wishes to Myrna Thomas who had hip surgery last week and to Shirley Holmes. Speedy recovery, you two. The coffee pot is always on, and we are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday so stop in for a visit.

Siren

Wow! Mother Nature sure seems to be on some kind of vengeance lately. Just look at what she is throwing at us, temps right out of a blast furnace. Seems we get a couple of normal days then it’s right back into the intense heat and humidity again. The temps out west are worse and if they should slide our way, well, we will really be in for it. The area cornfields seem to be doing great, but they could really use a good old-fashioned soaking right about now for sure. This coming Saturday at the Webster Community Center at 11:30 a.m., the library luncheon put on by the Friends of the Burnett County Library will be held. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under. The Siren Methodist Church will be hosting this year’s area vacation Bible school from August 6 - 10. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun and learning. So if you live in the area or are just visiting and your kids would enjoy, come and join us, or if you wish to volunteer, stop in at 10:30 a.m. on June 27, as there is a meeting for the volunteers. For more info or to sign your kids up call Mary Yambrick at 715-349-5660. Sympathy to the family of Anna M. Carlson who passed away June 28. Sympathy to the family of Maurice Eugene Heyer who passed away June 29. On Saturday, July 21, the Larson, Mattson, Cairns and Knutson families will get together at the park on Crooked Lake at noon. This reunion is open to all friends and family so come and enjoy the afternoon, bring a dish to pass. Congratulations to elementary students Michael Conrow and Elizabeth Brown for their school year perfect attendance. Also to Raven Emery for her honors at the spelling bee. The Fourth of July celebration was just a hair late at the Bells Ranch this year, as many had to work Thursday. A picnic was held on Saturday afternoon with about 20 in attendance. Only five tents made up tent city this year, but next year they are planning a big bash with a long weekend for the Fourth. Congratulations to Siren’s new queen, Jena Wambolt and first princess Janey Emery, who was also chosen most photogenic. The junior miss title was Tia Hanson with miss princess going to Amber Hall, Little Miss Siren was awarded to Janna Cobb. The UMW ladies were well pleased with their Fourth of July pie social as they made over $900. The men’s group did quite well on their two Fourth of July ventures, a brat

Barb Munger

Bev Beckmark

sale on one end of town and a root beer sale at the other end. They took in about $300. The youth group decided to sell tacos in a bag this year and had great success, it brought them $400 for their efforts. Nancy and Lou Jappe enjoyed having Nancy’s son Chris White and his wife, Cathy, of California, here for three days during the Fourth of July festivities. But the apple of Nancy’s eye was her 6-month-old grandson, Mitchell, to dote on for the three days. Her daughter, Wendy Ehnert, was also home visiting from Alaska. Wendy’s husband, Larry, was unable to be here as he had purchased a motorcycle in Milwaukee and is now driving it all the way back to their home in Alaska. What a way to see the country.

Luck Senior Center 472-8285

Shirley Lund

Hooray! It rained Sunday. I got a whopping half-inch, big deal. Maybe we will get more if I bring my rain gauge in. Had a pretty good week at the center. A few visitors from a faraway place, sure nice of them to come so far for a cup of coffee, ha! A couple from Kenosha, here visiting at the West Denmark Campground. Sorry to say I can’t remember their names; Joan and Art Klein from DesMoines, Iowa and Frank and Pat Gursky from Apache Junction, Ariz. Gratitude is extended to Gwynne Jenson for the banana bars. I’m sure they will be enjoyed be all. I will be busy on my day off, got three bags of Amish starter to make into cake, bread, cookies, etc. Is your mouth watering yet? Come on in to the center and try out our specials of the day. Don’t forget we will be serving roast beef sandwiches, chips, pie and ice cream, coffee and pop on Saturday, July 21, for the Lucky Days Festival. Senior center hours and days: Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Open to all adults. P.S. Gratitude is extended to Kathy Mueller for the beautiful flowers from her garden. They sure do dress up

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Honey is a 1-year-old shorthair brown Tabby with white highlights. She is spayed and declawed. Honey is a people-loving cat; in fact, she thinks she is a human. She will carry on a conversation with you from one room to the next; never mind that you can’t understand a word she says. Her eyes close softly during a head rub, Arnell to savor each and every stroke. Honey is a great companion cat. Humane Kittens continue to find their Society way to the shelter in boxes of four or five. Someone even brought us two raccoon kits. (Which we are not equipped to handle.) Unfortunately, there is a neverending succession of dogs and cats in need of shelter and a decent meal. You hear it all the time, but it is so very important to remember to have fresh, clean water available to your pets at all times. Dogs are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which can only be found in their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during a hot summer day. Only panting and drinking cool water helps cool them. Short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress. If a dog is in a parked car with the windows rolled up, breathing overheated air, that dog can suffer brain and organ damage in just 15 minutes. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a

St. Croix Valley Senior Center

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

Hello, Fritz here! Woof, the last week has been spent puppy-sitting and I’m dog-tired. We have eight puppies here with us ready for adoption and they are a paw full. Ellie is an 8-week-old, shorthaired, black with a bit of white pup. I’m not exactly sure what breed of dog she is, maybe a bit of Fritz lab. Ellie is a sweetheart with a good disposition. NEWS FROM We also have seven German shepherd mix, wirey-haired pups that are 7 weeks old. They are Jinx, Lulu, Lucas, Josie, Lily, Muffin and Rain. They are brown and black, some with very wirey, fuzzy hair which is pretty funny looking. They will probably be larger dogs. They are all playful, adorable and keeping the rest of us in

YOUR SHELTER

car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heat stroke. On hot, humid days, (as we are experiencing lately), the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute and quickly become lethal. On a really hot day, even a trip to the grocery store could be life threatening for your pet. Take care of yourself and your pet on these wonderfully warm days of summer that we look forward to all winter. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E., Amery. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon. - Sat., 715-268-7387 or online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

howls with their antics and play. For adult dogs, I have three friends waiting for furever families. I mentioned Gordy the tiger striped boxer last week. Skylor is a pretty yellow Lab/great dane mix, she is fit, trim and athletic. Skylor is 19 months old. Reed is a male black Lab, he is 5 years old and in good shape also, with plenty of energy. So that’s the gang right now, stop in and visit. The puppies are a howl and us adults have a lot of tail wagging to share too. I know I say it often, but thanks for helping the doors stay open here. My friends and I are so thankful this summer for our cool beds, fresh water and full food bowls. I know the angels couldn’t do it without help and donations from lots of other people in the community. Thank you! With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

Births Big sister Josie would like to announce that Jonathan Martin Johnson was born on Sunday, June 24, at 9:22 a.m., weighing 8 lbs., 7 ozs. Proud parents are Jeremiah and Shaila Johnson of Eureka. Grandparents are Marty and Karen Johnson of St. Croix Falls and David and Patsy Anderson of Eureka. ••• Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Ethan Edward Graf, born June 24, 2007, to Dan and Beth Graf, Frederic. Ethan weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz. and was 19-3/4 inches long. Grandparents are

Fran Krause

Larry and Sheryl Klancher of Hudson and Dave and Rene Graf of Aberdeen, S.D. ••• A girl, Nevaeh Nicole Baxton, born June 29, 2007, to Elizabeth Baxton and Dane Dudash, Taylors Falls. Nevaeh weighed 6 lbs. ••• A boy, Ryan James Cunnien, born July 2, 2007, to Nicole and Michael Cunnien, Lindstrom, Minn. Ryan weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz. •••

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

Written for last week

Written for this week

Reeny Neinstadt spent several days last week at her daughter, Sandy’s, in Cadott. Many relatives attended a surprise birthday party for Nancy Krause at her home on Thursday. Harmony HCE had their annual trip on Thursday, a boat ride and lunch at St. Croix Falls. The boat ride was shortened because of low water. Dee and Kathryn Krause visited UW-Stout at Menomonie Friday and then onto a horse show in Madison. Anita, Kathleen and Sharon O’Brien are spending their vacation at their cabin. Helen, Lawrence and Dylan Stone are spending a few days at the Brad Peterson’s visiting Maxine Stone. Other visitors this week were Charles and Elaine Scott, Ethel Daniels and Edna Griesen.

A large crowd attended the Webster parade on Wednesday. The Orange 4-H were among the many groups in the parade. Harmony HCE got a first on their booth at the Webster Fair. Nancy O’Brien got a first on her flowers and also on two afgans. Teresa and Dave Childers family spent several days at their camper over the Fourth. Sue and Larry Mattson visited Jack and LaVonne O’Brien on Saturday, before returning to San Antonio, Texas on Sunday. The Dean Petersons spent the week at their cabin. Helen, Lauren and Dylan Stone returned home after spending time with Maxine Stone. Coming event: Saturday, July 14, at 11:30 a.m., salad luncheon for benefit of Burnett Community Library at the Webster Community Center. Guest speaker is Catherine Tripalin Murray.

Dottie Adams

Did everyone have a great Fourth of July? We did. Our Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Don Anderson in first place, MaDonna Danielson in second place, Janice Mevissen and Deloris Benson tied for third place. 500 card winners were: Don Benson in first place, Olga Young in second place, Laurice Lambert in third place, Phil Mevissen in fourth place and Wally Quist in fifth place. Our center will be hiving a bake sale, craft sale, and serving pork chops on a stick, all on July 21, at 10 a.m. and on. Come join us for some fun. It is also Wannigan Days in St. Croix Falls and Taylor Falls. A little more tired at the close of day, a little less anxious to have our way, a little less ready to scold and blame, a little more care of a brother’s name; and so we are nearing our journey’s end. Where time and eternity meet and blend. The Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Phil Mevissen in first place, Arlys Rosen in second place, Olga Yuong in third place and Charles Ziegler in fourth place.

653-4281

Lewis

Bernice Abrahamzon

Pastor Mike was on vacation last week, visiting downstate. His wife, Candy, has been away at school as she has been appointed to serve the Odanah United Methodist Church near Ashland. She has preached there the past few months, and it is working well. Robin Peterson was in charge of the Sunday service at Lewis, bringing the message with a very good, well-structured presentation. The choir sang, Sylvia Schaetzel was reader and Karen Johnson did scriptures. LaVonne Boyer, chairman of the Lewis administrative board, thanked the congregation for having her represent the Lewis Church at the annual conference at Middleton, in June. She gave a very good, detailed resume of what transpired there for three days. Coffee and cupboard cookies were enjoyed after the service. The men of the church will serve their annual chicken breast dinner this Friday at the Lewis Church. The menu includes chicken, baked potatoes, salad, rolls, vegetable, strawberry shortcake and beverage. Come join us, escape the heat and the cooking of a meal. Hours are 4-7 p.m. It’s hard to believe, but the 40th (yes 40th) free Gem and Mineral Show is coming July 28 and 29 at the Frederic High School from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free but there are many things on sale inside the airconditioned building. Polished and rough rocks for collectors, jewelry, novelties or grab bags, etc. The 4-H Club is once again providing lunch in the corridor. Get-well wishes to Arlene Jones, who is now a resident at the Frederic Care Center as she recovers from hip surgery. Visitors are welcome. Glad to report that LaVonne Boyer is feeling better after being under the weather last week. She underwent a battery of tests to determine the problem. It’s back to summer school for Rick Abrahamzon this week at Rice Lake after a week’s vacation. Only a few played scrabble last Monday at Sunrise Apts., including Edna Martin, Doris Lindquist, Flornce White and Bernice Abrahamzon, with hopes of being back in full force this week. Farmers are really making hay while the sun shines, but rain would be welcome to help things grow. The Lewis Church finance committee met last Tuesday at church, including Robin Peterson, chairperson, Marlene Nelson, Kerry Brendel, John Boyer, Ray Gackel and Bernice Abrahamzon. The annual Schallenberger picnic, get-together was held Wednesday at Coon Lake Park. Over 80 attended. It was a special day, as Esther S. turned 90. She said, “Many new babies there. Some I have never seen.” Food, games, visiting, family ties, all-important part of celebration, along with the Fourth of July. Pin cherries are ripe and the birds know it. They make the most wonderful jelly, if you can beat the birds to picking them.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK Engagement

Greener/Erickson Mr. and Mrs. Glenn and Kathy Greener and Mr. and Mrs. Randy and Donna Erickson are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Emily Greener and Adam Erickson. Emily is a 2005 graduate of Luck High School. Adam is a 2003 graduate of Luck High School. The couple is currently living in La Crosse. Emily is attending WWTC to get her associate degree in accounting. Adam is currently working for Charter Communications. The couple is planning an Aug. 4, 2007, wedding. – submitted

F o l l o w t h e L e a d e r.

Frederic Senior Center Ardyce Knauber Monday, July 2, Spades was played with the following winners: First place Arnie Borchert, second place Lola Hinschberger, third place Delories Potter and fourth place Bob Larsen. Wednesday the Fourth of July was celebrated at the center with Fourth of July decorations, which we all enjoyed and Clareese Marek sent us a red, white and blue cake. We had a noon dinner with the traditional menu of brats, wieners and all the trimmings. Pokeno and cards were enjoyed after dinner. Marlys Borchert’s mother, who was 101-1/2, passed away. I lost my best friend, Marion Byl, on Saturday and will miss her every day. Thursday 500 cards were played with the following winners: First place Arnie Borchert, second place Lorna Erickson, third place Nina Vold and fourth place Tim Abrahamzon. Get-well wishes to Mavis Klucas, Dorothy LaDoucer, Joyce McKinney and Virginia Schultz. Friday at 1:30 p.m. our monthly membership meeting was held. Pokeno was also played and cards enjoyed. July birthdays to be celebrated are Doris Pederson, Ralph Jurek, Herb Sederlund, Edna Utley, Willis Williams, Delories Potter and David Peterson.

Unity school mechanic receives state award ST. CROIX FALLS - Doug Scharfenberg, St. Croix Falls, was awarded “School Bus Technician of the Year” by the Wisconsin School Bus Association at its annual convention last week in Green Bay. Scharfenberg has worked as a bus mechanic for almost 15 years at the Unity School District. School districts and student transportation companies across the state nominate bus technicians for the annual award. Bob Christian, executive director of the Wisconsin School Bus Association, told Scharfenberg that he received the award for several reasons. First, he was one of only 15 of the nominees to be an ASE certified Master School Bus Technician. He also received a good recom(L to R) Doug Scharfenberg receives the Wisconsin School Bus Technimendation letter from Unity cian of the Year award from Bob Christian, executive director of the WisconSuperintendent Brandon sin School Bus Association. – Photo submitted Robinson, and has an usual number of buses to maintain. berg faithfully attends the annual mechanics clinic, Scharfenberg maintains 20 buses, many of them looking for ways to improve his skills. older models, while the national average of buses per The Wisconsin School Bus Association was formed mechanic is 10. He also maintains four vans and other to protect and promote the highest standards of transvehicles and drives a bus route in the afternoon. portation safety for Wisconsin children. The Association also took into account that Scharfen-


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POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union,” by Michael Chabon Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,” Michael Chabon has written a new novel with a fascinating premise. After the World War II Holocaust, instead of the state of Israel being formed, the European Jews fled to Alaska and established their own province, The Federal District of Sitka. Now years later, the district is due to revert to Alaskan control and political, criminal and religious forces are at play. Meyer Landsman, a homicide detective with the district police force is called in to the death of an unnamed junkie in his own apartment building. Lansdsman can’t catch a break, he has been divorced, now his ex-wife is his new boss and he and his partner Berko Shemets aren’t making progress on any of their cases. On top of all this Landsman seems to be developing a drinking problem. The author is clever, inventive and the twists and turns of the plot leave you

breathless. What a great summer mystery read! Library notes The Friends of the Library book group will be meeting on July 16, at 7 p.m. to discuss “Gilead” by Marilyn Robinson. Copies will be available at the circulation desk next week if you would like to join. Otaku Club will be meeting on Tuesday evenings at 5 p.m. Join teens (13 and older) who love manga and anime. Teens Read Book Group will meet on July 30 to discuss “Diamonds are Forever” by Ian Fleming from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come and join us if you are a teen for snacks and exciting book talk. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk. Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clear Lake Public Library Please join us on Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. to interact with the Wonder Weavers Storytellers from Minnesota. The Knitting and Crocheting Group will meet July 25, 4:30 p.m. New Young Adult Fiction: • “Chaos King” by Laura Ruby • “The Wall and the Wing” by Laura Ruby • “Genesis Alpha” by Rune Michaels • “Shadow Thieves” by Anne Ursu • “Siren Song” by Anne Ursu • “Traitors Gate” by Avi

• “Eric Carle’s A B C” • “My Very First Book of Food” by Eric Carle • “My Very First Book of Motion” by Eric Carle • “Mouse Shapes” by Ellen Stoll Walsh Library hours: Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 – 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Friday: noon – 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

New Easy Books: • “Eric Carle’s Opposites”

Polk County Library Federation Need some summer entertainment and you still have a VHS player? The Polk County Libraries have a huge selection of VHS movies. We have children’s classics like: “Toy Story” and “101 Dalmations” and dramas such as: “A Beautiful Mind” and “Catch Me if You Can” to videos on self-help, how-to and heath issues. Many

of our videos are educational, so if your child needs to brush up on some subjects before the summer is over, check it out at your library. If you haven’t started a summer reading program yet, it’s not too late. Pick up a book and relax, enjoy your summer!

Dresser Public Library Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Story time Summer reading begins June 12. Registration for Get a Clue…at Your Library will be required this year. Summer reading will be Tuesday mornings at 10-11 a.m., for children, 3 to first grade. Chil-

dren entering third grade this fall and older, may participate in the independent reading portion of summer reading. Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresser pl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

Balsam Lake Public Library Story time Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks. We also have many new puppets that can be checked out for home use. Books on the Beach Books on the Beach are back with something for every readers taste. Read at the beach or bring the books home. Return to the beach when you’re finished if you’re able. Read, swim, sunbathe, what a way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Tales with Tails Children read aloud to Ruby, a service dog, and her owner, Carolyn Peterson. This will be every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Ruby loves to listen to stories. Sometimes her eyes close but she is listening. Please call and sign up for a time 485-3215. New books Some of our new books for July are “Quickie” by James Patterson, “Tin Roof Blowdown” by James Lee Burke, “Thunder Bay” by William Kent Kreuger “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. There are many new board books, children and young adult, for those lazy summer nights. Book club Book club will meet Wednesday, July 18, at 3 p.m. - all ages welcome. Selection for July-“A Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. ”Life changes fast. Life changes in an instant. You sit down to

dinner and life as you know it ends.” On Dec. 30, 2003, Joan and her husband, John Gregory Dunne, were just sitting down to dinner about 9 p.m. They had returned from visiting their daughter, Quintana, who was comatose in an ICU in New York City. They were having a conversation as Joan put dinner on the table. She looked up, it was very quiet, John was not responding. He was slumped over the table with his hand raised. She realized all was not well, and in that instant her life changed. Friends group Friend’s group will meet Wednesday, July 25, at 3 p.m. at the Library. Events Summer events have started and the library will be hosting programs twice a month throughout the summer. Flyers with details are available at the library. Summer Readers Get a Clue at Your Library Program on Saturday, July 14, from 10:30 a.m. – noon – Outside Books Outside with Brad and Jason Levenhagen. This performance is a series of skits, songs and science demonstrations played with audience volunteers on a life-size game board! Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Centuria Public Library Family Read Night July 19, 6:30 p.m. In the center ring, storyteller, Van Burch, will be visiting the Centuria Public Library to tell stories about the circus. Bring your children to listen to the fun stories, meet Mr. Burch, and hear all about the circus that is coming to Centuria. Real Life Adventures Are you a reader that likes to read about true tales of survival? The Centuria Public Library has just received a set of new books written for the young adult reader but exciting for everyone to read that features true stories of survival. Come to the Centuria Public Library and check out all six books. You will find them to be incredible stories of courage and determination that show the human will to survive. The titles are:

1. “Disaster in the Mountains,” Colby Coombs' story of survival. 2. “Lost at Sea,” Tami Oldham Ashcraft's story of survival. 3. “Shark Attack,” Bethany Hamilton's story of survival. 4. “Stranded in the Snow,” Eric LeMarque's story of survival. 5. “Trapped in a Canyon,” Aron Ral- New additions Enjoy your air conditioning with one ston's story of survival. of our fine feature films. And if you don’t 6. “Volcanic Eruption,” Susan Ruff have air conditioning, come escape the and Bruce Nelson's story of survival. heat and read a magazine in our cool library. Hours New additions to our collection inThe Centuria Public Library is open clude the following: “Rocky Balboa,” Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from “Happily N’ever After,” “Monty noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 Python’s Life of Brian,” “Freedom Writp.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to ers” and “The Mothman Prophecies.” noon Saturday.

Clear Lake Public Library

Osceola Public Library Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Frederic Public Library


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library Get a Clue at Your Library There is still time to join the library summer reading program which runs through Aug. 10 and offers activities for everyone. Preschoolers – third-graders will set their reading goals and count the number of books they’ve read; fourth- through sixth-graders will count pages and are invited to be part of the YNK book group; and for teens there will be a CSI book discussion group. Family-friendly movies will be shown Mondays at 2 p.m., and preschool story times will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Everyone who meets their weekly goals or attends special activities can enter their names for great prizes at the end of the program. Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday evenings July 19 – Aug. 9 when the library hosts special evening events as part of the summer reading program: July 19 at 7 p.m. – Merrilee Self and her bearded dragons; July 26 at 7 p.m. – Folksinger/storyteller Kevin McMullin; Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. - Pajama party/Game night; and Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. – Magician Magical Paul. These free programs are fun for everyone, so make plans to attend with family and friends. Monday movie time The library will show the movie “Nanny McPhee” Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. This film runs approximately 100 minutes and is rated PG. Bearded dragons will visit the library Join us for a special evening program Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the library when Merrilee Self will bring an exciting presentation for the whole family about the scientific classification system and how exotic pets fit into it. Merrilee breeds bearded dragons and is a teacher and exotic pet enthusiast. Join us for a firsthand look at these amazing creatures.

Reading groups meet in July The evening book group will meet Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. to talk about “The Sweet Hereafter” by Russell Banks. Told in the voices of four narrators, this is the story of a tragic school bus accident and the question of who is to blame. The Thursday morning reading group will meet July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “Pigs in Heaven” by Barbara Kingsolver. The lives of a young child and her adoptive mother change forever when she is the sole witness to a freak accident at the Hoover Dam. Copies of the books are available at the library, and new readers are always welcome. Kevin McMullin to perform Singer, songwriter, and storyteller Kevin McMullin will be performing at the Community Pride Shelter next to the depot museum Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m. This free program is one of a series of special events hosted by the Frederic Library through the summer reading program. McMullin is known to many as a member of the traditional dance band Duck for the Oyster, and he is a crowd pleaser wherever he plays. The whole family is welcome to this very special event. (In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held at the library). Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays. How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West. 715-327-4979; e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Luck Public Library The Magic Of Glen Gerard Luck library will be hosting a magician for Lucky Days in Luck on Friday, July 20, at 7 p.m. The magician will perform under the library tent between the fire hall and the Goldstar Co-op. All ages are welcome. This is a great performance and should not be missed. The show is free to the public, but the audience is encouraged to bring their own chair. So drag out the soccer chairs and the family and come over to the Lucky Days Magic Show. Get a clue! Get a clue at the library. The 2007 Summer Reading Program is full of mystery and adventure. Luck will kick off their Summer Reading Program Thursday, July 12, with a mystery meal served at the senior center at 5:30 p.m. This spaghetti dinner will cost $ 1 per person. If you have never been to a mystery meal, you really should experience it. It is a lot of fun. Summer Reading Program is open to ages 4-16. Get set for a summer full of prizes, games, treasure hunts, magicians and mystery. Older youth and teens, join the fun. There is a program designed just for you. If you want to help with crafts or reading at the weekly Thursday programs, we can use you. But if you just

want to be in it for the fun, sign up and become an investigator in CSI Luck. Use your dictionary, encyclopedia and computer to follow the clues and find the dead body hidden somewhere in town. Earn extra reading minutes and you may win one of our fabulous prize packages – The Beach Bum Package, The Harry Potter Package or the Couch Potato Package. You can also win free passes to Wild Mountain Water Park. So get involved, Get a Clue, and get reading this summer! Programs will be held Thursdays at 5 p.m. from July 12 to Aug. 16. See you there. We are also taking donations of books, magazines, puzzles, DVDs, videos and games for the annual Lucky Days Library Book Sale. Drop of your donations at the Luck Public Library during our open hours. If you need a receipt for your tax-deductible donation, we will get you one. Books can be dropped off up until the day before the sale, Friday, July 20. The Luck Library is also taking donations for our first-annual Lucky Days yard sale. Do you have items to donate? We are looking for items in good to excellent working condition to help raise money for our new building. While we are not taking clothes at this time, almost anything else will be accepted. We have secure storage to hold bigger items until the day of the sale. For more information, call Jill Glover at the Luck Public Library, 472-2770. All proceeds will be given to the building fund. We have some really great things donated already. It promises to be a very good sale. See you on Saturday, July 21.

Milltown Public Library Summer Reading Program Register for the Summer Reading Program at the Milltown Library front desk, then bring home your reading record sheets and start reading! You increase your chances to win one of the many weekly prize drawings, or even the grand prize iPod, by completing and turning in as many reading record sheets as possible. We will draw for prizes every Friday at 5 p.m. and will notify the winners. The Summer Reading Program is open to everyone – kids and adults. Harry Potter Party Join the rest of the Polk County Potter fans as we anxiously await the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” during a prepublication Potter Party on July 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Milltown Public Library. There will be two chances to win your very own copy of the seventh book. One copy will be raffled as a door prize, and the other will be given away to the person best dressed as a character from J.K. Rowling’s books. The prize books may be picked up the next day at 10 a.m. at the library. The Potter Party will feature Butter Beer, Transfiguration, potions like Secret Snitcher and Exploding Filibusters, Herbology and Quidditch. There will also be Harry Potter trivia challenges. This event is free and open to all ages.

This former Ringling Brothers performer will delight children of all ages! Seating is limited, so please arrive early. You may have a seat reserved by registering online at www.milltownpubliclibrary.org. The library will not offer public services (checkouts, Internet computer use, etc…) during this performance. We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the net from a comfortable chair! No time limits! Story hour There will be no story times on Tuesday, July 24, in lieu of the magician performance at 1 p.m. Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books. Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Magician Check out the hilarious magician at the Milltown Library on July 24 at 1 p.m.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Saturday talk about the book club The book club meets the second Saturday of the month, 1:30 p.m. at Goochie Noochie’s in downtown St Croix Falls. Call if you have any questions 483-1777.

Story hour Listen to stories, creat great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!

Did I read this already? Now you can track what you have read through the MORE system’s My History. Check it out on the Web site.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Story hour friends at the St. Croix Falls Library. Some Good Samaratan Rresidents joined the story hour gang for books about colors, face painting by Dotty and fun art activities.

Technology Free wireless access is available at the library. Also, visit the library’s revamped Web site to find out what’s happening @ the Library. www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.


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Adoption agency works with NW Wisconsin families by Regan Kohler WEBSTER - The Faith In God Missions Adoption Agency, Webster, is helping families in northwestern Wisconsin adopt children from the United States and internationally. F.I.G., which is a nonprofit, Christian-based agency, was started by Debie Pope approximately five years ago, with the help of her longtime friend Erica Gustafson. There are other local adoption agencies Lutheran Social Services is in southern Wisconsin, and Hope, in Stillwater, Minn., licensed to Wisconsin, though Love Basket in Minnesota isn’t licensed in this state anymore - but there weren’t any located in northern Wisconsin. This was one reason for starting F.I.G., as Pope said that she knew of families in northern Wisconsin who wanted to adopt children but didn’t know how or where to get started. Pope and Gustafson both have adopted children, and when the agency first began, Pope helped people through the adoption process, with things such as paperwork and dossiers. Pope said this made her realize how much of a need families had for children, and about two years ago, F.I.G. became licensed as a childplacing agency, allowing them to actually do the adoption process. They work mainly with families in Burnett, Washburn, Barron, Sawyer, Douglas, Polk, St. Croix, Bayfield and Ashland counties, but are available to families throughout Wisconsin and even in other states through the process of the interstate compact. There are five people who run F.I.G. Pope is the director, and Gustafson, also a teacher, helps families who are adopting a child with the applications and other documents they need to fill out. Gustafson said that every country has its own set of requirements, which can be difficult. Pam Calyn is one of the social workers for the agency, and the other is supervisory social worker Pamela Peterson. There is also a receptionist, Julie Derouin. Calyn and Peterson work with the families hands-on before and after the adoption process. Pope, Peterson and Calyn facilitate an adoptive family support group. They also coordinate state-required training for newly adoptive families, as they must have 16 hours of parent education in the process. F.I.G. also has a full board of directors, Arlan Pope Jr., Eric Olson, Karen Phelps, Marlene Olson, Tasha Olson

F.I.G. Missions Director Debie Pope and co-worker Erica Gustafson in Guatemala February 2007. – Photo submitted and many volunteers. “It becomes really, a community purpose‚” Pope said. The agency helps families adopt children domestically, or within the United States, as well as working with Guatemala, Russia, Haiti, Nepal, Kazakhstan and special-needs children from China. People can adopt children from birth to age 17, as well as sibling sets both domestically and internationally. Pope said that families come to F.I.G. for different reasons. Some have established a family and want to add to it, and some are unable to have children themselves. Others may be birth parents looking for help with an adoption plan or consulting. “You see families that just have a heart for children,” Pope said. “People are coming to adopt because they

want to complete their family. You see birth parents say that they didn’t know it could be an option.” Pope said that children they place need a family and a place of their own. She said many of these children are in foster homes throughout the United States, and F.I.G.’s desire is to help make families, giving parents the joy of having children. “You can see the joy it brings them,” Pope said. “With Faith in God anything is possible.” Calyn said that every family she meets has something that stands out, that makes them unique, which is why she loves her job. Gustafson said that she and Pope have similar ideas and visions, and this helped them organize F.I.G. Missions Adoption Agency. One year ago, F.I.G. started a clothing line FIG GEAR to help families meet the expense of the costs of adoption. Tasha Olson has been in charge of this program with Pope. F.I.G. has a threefold purpose: “to support the physical and spiritual health of orphans worldwide, to provide education for the positive development of their lives and the communities, and to make possible worldwide adoption, joining children with strong Christian homes where love will allow children and families to flourish.” The Web site, www.figmissions.org, has pictures of children waiting to be adopted, along with its newsletter and information about projects. One is Project Nepal, in which F.I.G. and its volunteers help with financial sponsorship for a school for orphans in Nepal. Pope said that F.I.G. does humanitarian aid. Anyone who wishes can donate money or brand-new items to international countries and children’s homes hit by disaster. Pope said that volunteers make three trips a year to provide this aid. She added that homemade blankets and afghans are popular items. All monetary donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law. Upcoming opportunities include an adoption awareness meeting on Monday, July 16, in room 162 at the Burnett County Government Center, Siren and Thursday, July 19, at the Washburn Government Center. These sessions are informational for anyone, including birth parents and prospective families, and lasts from 6-8 p.m., anyone interested may drop in anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. F.I.G. will be having an adoption awareness meeting at the Holy Assumption Parish in Superior on July 26 at 6 p.m. The next support group meeting is Sunday, July 22, at the Webster Elementary School Library. Pope said that a fundraiser and community picnic will be held around late August - early September, as well. The agency is located at 5346 CTH A, Webster.


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ArtBarn presents comedy OSCEOLA - St. Croix ArtBarn Theatre will present the intergenerational comedy, “Good Night Ladies,” by Cyrus Wood, 7:30 p.m. the last three weekends of July. The story centers on a young woman who falls in love with a shy college professor. The problem is that he is terrified of women! One night, when the ladies go to a spa, the men take the professor to a local club to attempt to break down the professor’s phobia. The club is raided and the men end up in the ladies’

Women’s Expo in Siren set SIREN - Mix 105 and Classic Hits 105.7 Radio will present their fifth-annual Women’s Expo on Saturday, Aug. 4. This event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northwoods Crossing Events Center in Siren. Siren’s Summerfest celebration is that weekend and the Women’s Expo is an official Summerfest event. The expo features dozens of exhibitors displaying their products and services of interest to area women. Last year’s event drew over 800 people. There is no charge for admission. To be a part of this year’s Women’s Expo contact Ron Revere, Mix 105/Classic Hits 105.7 Radio general manager at 715472-9569 or e-mail: ron@mix105.ws. - submitted

Interpretive program Saturday at Crex GRANTSBURG – An interpretive program entitled “Beavers, Muskrats, and Otters: Admirals of Adaptation” will be held at the Crex Meadows Visitor and Education Center on Saturday, July 14, at 3 p.m. Join National Park Ranger Katie Worrell to learn about beavers, muskrats and otters along the St. Croix River. Learn about their life history, habitat preferences, and the adaptations that enable them to thrive on the river. The program will be inside the visitor center auditorium. The program is free to the public. Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is located in Grantsburg. For further information contact Carly at 715-4632739. - submitted

spa after donning disguises to shake the authorities on a wild goose chase of mayhem and merriment. The cast includes St. Croix Valley residents: Scott Moore, Amery; Bill Buell, Emily Buell, Courtney Cain, Scott Kaml, Sarah Roberts, New Richmond; Hazle Cain Johnson, Vicky Cain, Osceola; Lynn Steiner, Stillwater, Minn.; and Alan Duball, Taylors Falls. The production will open Thursday through Saturday, July 12-14 at ArtBarn, 1040 Oak Ridge Drive, Osceola, one block east of Hwy. 35, next to the Osceola

Middle School. For Osceola tickets, call 715-294-2787. The comedy will then be presented the second and third weekends, Thursday and Saturdays, July 19-21, and July 26-28 at The SPACE, a Centre for Creativity, 156 High Street, New Richmond. For ticket reservations for the New Richmond run, call 715-246-3180. Visit www.stcroixartbarn.com or www.thespaceforcreativity.com for more information. – submitted

CenturyTel announces broadband TV for the PC FREDERIC - . CenturyTel, Inc. is delivering the future of interactive and on-demand entertainment today with its recently launched broadband TV service. “CenturyTel customers don’t have to be anchored to their couch to access real-time TV channels, as they can now be entertained using their desktop or laptop computers any time and anywhere a broadband connection is available,” said area operations Manager Tom Braml. “We continue to deliver cutting-edge entertainment solutions.” CenturyTel’s Broadband TV service can be accessed through www.centurytel.net and once subscribed, customers will not have to add any software or applications to their computer. “Through our partnership with MobiTV, Inc., CenturyTel customers can enjoy more than 24 channels such as The Weather Channel, A&E Broadband, Oxygen and music video channels for one low price,” Braml said. “It’s entertainment for those on the go wherever a highspeed Internet connection is available.” CenturyTel’s Broadband TV service includes a full programming guide, easy channel changing and the ability to watch in standard, full-screen, or compact

mode. Future upgrades to the service will include additional television channels and access to a vast library of on-demand videos including new movie releases, sports, and movie and TV classics. “Because CenturyTel’s network is built with dedicated connectivity from the customer’s home to CenturyTel’s fiber backbone, it’s uniquely positioned to provide advanced applications such as real-time streaming video,” Braml said. “CenturyTel can better manage and ensure service delivery between those dedicated points. Our superior network architecture allows us to deliver advanced applications such as broadband TV to our customers. “CenturyTel is offering video entertainment over broadband, outpacing older generation technologies,” Braml said. “We intend to leverage the power of the Internet to offer a much wider range of content on demand and a la carte programming not available through other providers.” With CenturyTel Broadband TV, qualified customers can get the first month free, when bundled with CenturyTel high-speed Internet. – submitted

TRAILS dance troupe to perform at Lucky Days

LUCK - The Luck Library and Museum Project is proud to announce a performance of the TRAILS Ojibwe Dance Troupe at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 20. The performance will be at the site of the new Luck Library and Museum building, scheduled to open in spring of 2008. Although the TRAILS Dance Troupe is made up of local youth from the St. Croix Ojibwe community, it is well-known nationally and internationally as well as here in Wisconsin. The TRAILS Dance Troupe began with five dancers in 1996 as a way to help Native American young people make the right lifestyle choices and to educate others about the cultural heritage of Ojibwe song and dance. Today the troupe includes more than 30 dancers from 4 - 17 years of age. TRAILS is part of the St. Croix Chippewa Youth Program, with Mark Soulier as coordinator. TRAILS first performance was for the Hula Bowl in the winter of 1996. The troupe performed in front of 20,000 spectators and television cameras. Later, an invitation to perform during the World Eskimo Indian Olympic Games in Fairbanks, Alaska, resulted in gold

medals for the Best Indian Dance Troupe two years in a row in 2000 and 2001. The dancers performed on a Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas in 2001 with Bill Miller, Mary Youngblood and Joanne Shenandoah and in 2002 for four days at the U.S. Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Nev. In 2004, the troupe was invited to Japan and performed at the Hilton Hotel in Tokyo; they then traveled to northern Japan and entertained local schoolchildren along the way as part of a cultural exchange program. A year later they again performed in Japan at the 500 Year Bone Dance celebration in Miharu. This year TRAILS again visited Hawaii for the 2007 Honor Our Youth Gathering Cultural Exchange Project in Hilo. Locally, the dancers perform at schools, festivals and other community events throughout Wisconsin. During the summer months they can bee seen at the Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park in Webster. The performance in Luck is free. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this unique and enjoyable event. - submitted


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Orthodox church’s heaven-sent new home CHISAGO CITY, Minn. – Holy Cross Orthodox Christian Church has a new home at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City. In November of 2006, the small Orthodox mission began holding services at Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom, Minn. Although the school provided an ample meeting space, the constraints of time and working around the school’s schedule became a problem. The main question was, how they would be able to celebrate their Holy Week and Easter Services? One Sunday Natalie Peterson, wife of Pastor Mike Peterson from Zion Lutheran in Chisago City, visited Holy Cross and offered to their priest the idea of holding some services at Zion. “Her visit was no coincidence,” the priest observed, “When she came to visit us, God began to open up a new chapter in our life.” The priest, Father Robert McMeekin, was formerly a Lutheran pastor and a classmate of Pastor Mike’s at seminary. They also worked together on the synod worship committee when they were both serving in Western Wisconsin. “Mrs. Peterson was raised a Ukrainian Catholic, a rite within the Roman Catholic Church that uses the same services as the Orthodox. She was quite familiar with and sympathetic to our needs,” Father Robert added. A few weeks later, Father Robert paid a visit to Pastor Peterson at Zion and received a tour of the building and their new addition. He was quite impressed with the building and relayed the details of his visit to his own members. It was then that the members of Holy

The new home for Holy Cross Orthodox Christian Church. – Photos submitted Cross wondered aloud if Zion might not be a good place to meet instead of the school. Father Robert resisted the idea at first, based upon his previous experiences in unsuccessfully seeking space from area churches. “Their weekly schedules are often so full that our presence would be a burden no matter how much rent we paid,” he noted. After two weeks of prayer and reflection upon the members’ comments, Father Robert approached Pastor Peterson with the idea of renting space from Zion.

As it happened, Pastor Peterson had also been contemplating the same idea. Father Robert asked if Pastor Peterson would take the idea to his church council and he agreed. Within two weeks of their meeting, Pastor Peterson informed Father Robert that the council decided to share some of their space with Holy Cross. On Sunday, May 27, the Feast of Pentecost, Holy Cross began meeting at Zion. The Zion members welcomed the Holy Cross parishioners at their coffee hour and in return the Holy Cross folks gave

tours of their worship space to the members at Zion. “It is an absolute gift from God for us,” Father Robert said, “And we hope that our presence is of benefit to Zion and their ministry. We thank the Lord every day for them.” Holy Cross worships at Zion every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, go to their Web site at hcomn.org or look for their booth at the Karl Oskar Days Community Arts and Crafts Fair. – submitted

Eighty-three guests from north Sweden to perform at 100th-year anniversary MCKINLEY - 100 years ago - in 1907 a group of immigrants, many of them from a small town in northern Sweden named Piteå, founded a Lutheran church in McKinley. They petitioned off the Augustana church rolls in Cumberland to form a congregation in McKinley. But before hand, in 1893, they started with church services in McKinley with a pastor from Cumberland. The congregation was first named Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Piteo congregation and the Piteo Lutheran Church, after the old hometown in Sweden. Today the church belongs to the American Lutheran Church and the name is Trinity. In September this year, 83 people from Piteå, Sweden will come to Cumberland and McKinley to celebrate the 100-year anniversary during the Swedish Heritage Days the church will arrange in McKinley, Sept. 15 and 16. In the group there are 25 singers from the church choir in Piteå, who will perform together with the Swedish Glee Singers from Waukegan. The church choir from Piteå will also perform in Augustana Church in Cumberland, Sept. 14.

In September this year, 83 people from Piteå, Sweden, will come to Cumberland and McKinley to celebrate the 100year anniversary of Trinity Lutheran. – Photo submitted The Piteå group will stay in Cumberland for two days, coming from Minneapolis where they also are going to sing. They will later visit Madison, and then go to Rockford and Chicago in Illiniois to sing in churches. Two of the chairmen from the Piteå

area’s four church councils will be at the tour, the chairman from the church council in the town of Piteå and from Norrfjärdens parish. Tour managers are Jan Lundquist from Piteå and Donald Ahlm from Chicago. Next year there will perhaps be new

visitors from northern Sweden. There is a group of folk dancers, Piteå Folk Dance Society, who now plan for a visit in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Fifty people are in that group. The trip will be in September 2008. – submitted


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Webster

Wonderland Snow Trails participated in the Webster Fourth of July parade with snowmobilers throwing candy to parade watchers.

The “Bride” advertising for Cynthia’s Bridal was stopped and congratulated by many during the parade. The train-bearer looks as though he would like to be elsewhere.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Harmonic Balance entertained spectators as they promoted the Siren Band Shell during the Webster Fourth of July parade.

Everyone from the children to adults showed their patriotic colors during the parade.

Local Boy Scout Troop 564 passed out frozen treats as they made their way on the parade route.

Spectators wait patiently, cheering on the parade participants, as they await the throwing of candy.

The Webster marching band performed patriotic numbers as they made their way down the street during the Webster Fourth of July parade.


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Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Webster

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department held their annual waterfights after the Webster Fourth of July parade. There are four different classes that compete throughout the afternoon: Men, women, boys and girls. – Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Freedom Five And they’re off! Contestants of the 27th-annual Freedom Five Race head down Siren’s new Main Street. The race was the first of many Fourth of July activities in Siren.

Contestants enjoy water and shade at the end of the race ABOVE: Some contestants were more relaxed than others just before the finish line. RIGHT: Karen Sherstad pours water for thirsty contestants at the end of the race. LEFT: The finish line for the 27th-annual Freedom Five race was in Crooked Lake Park.

Photos by Sherill Summer


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Siren

The Siren School marching band performed at the Fourth of July grand parade in Siren. RIGHT: The theme for this year’s grand parade was Independence Pride. The Mudhen Lake Sportsmen’s Club earned the award for most original for their Old North Church. The Lodge at Crooked Lake entry (not shown) won an award for best overall theme.

The Hayward Musky Shrine Club weaves their mopeds down Siren’s Main Street. The Webster Fire Department had several fire engines in the parade, as did many other area fire departments.

Photos by Sherill Summer

The Kinetico car was very popular on a steamy-hot Fourth of July when it passed out cold water to the crowd during Siren’s grand parade.


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Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Bed Races

The Pirates of Crooked Lake navigated their ship down Siren’s Main Street during the 21st-annual bed races. Although they placed 11th for speed, the team took home the honor of being best dressed. (Inset Photo) A view of the back of the Pirates of Crooked Lake bed.

TOP: The Mudhen Lake Cruisers was the fastest team during Siren’s bed race. ABOVE: Malachi’s Madness was another of the teams in Siren’s bed race. RIGHT: A view of the The Sasquatch Hunters racing down Main Street. The team placed second for speed. FAR RIGHT: Siren’s bed race is not all about speed. Each team had to sing, skip and jump rope as well. Shown here is the Viola Lake Violators singing their way through “Follow the Cobblestone Road,” as another teammate skipped around the cobblestone portion of Siren’s new Main Street. – Photos by Sherill Summer

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Kiddie Parade

Before the Siren’s Fourth of July grand parade, the kids had their chance to parade down Main Street. LEFT: Sparkly red, white and blue dressed kids pull a wagon full of fireworks. The display was sponsored by Victory Fireworks in Siren. ABOVE: A shiny-red convertible just the right size for two. RIGHT: The crowd watches the parade, and those in the parade watch the crowd.

Photos by Sherill Summer


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

JULY

WED. - SUN./11 - 15 Rice Lake

• “Always Patsy Cline” at Northern Star Theatre Company. Wed.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Call 715-736-4444 for more info.

WEDNESDAY/11

Coming events

Rice Lake

• WITC Open House. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 800-2439482 for information.

St. Croix Falls

Siren

SATURDAY/21 Amery

• Rimshots!, talented musicians from Minneapolis, Minn., 7:30 p.m. at The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts.

THURSDAY/12 Amery

• Line Dancing for beginners at the Amery Senior Center, 9:30 a.m. 1 & 6 p.m. soap making, $7 for supplies. • Senior Center Brat Stand at Dick’s Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Frederic • Farmers Market opening, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Leader parking lot. • Frederic Senior Citizen, share-a-lunch, noon. Bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. or cards, pool or fellowship.

Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

St. Croix Falls

Milltown

• Wannigan Days pork chop on a stick sales, craft sale & bake sale 10 a.m. at the senior center. • Tug-of-War across the St. Croix River at Lions Park, 2 p.m. 715-483-3715 or 651-4655283 for information.

• North Valley Lutheran Church pie and icecream social, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Glory Train gospel group.

St. Croix Falls • Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Turtle Lake

• 53rd-annual Inter-County Fair Days.

FRIDAY/13 Amery

• “Hubcaps!” The opening of an exhibit featuring circular automobile artwork, 7:30 p.m. at The Northen Lakes Center for the Arts. This exhibit will extend through Aug. 31. • Bingo at the Amery Senior Center, 608 Harriman Ave. S., 1 p.m.

Balsam Lake • Holy Trinity United Methodist Church bake sale: 3-6 p.m. or until sold out, at the Farmers Market in Pine Park.

Cumberland • Dale’s Twin Pines Truck Pull, 7 p.m. Call 715-822-2554 for more info.

Frederic • Pokeno played at 1 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

Osceola • NW Regional Writers combined w/Poco Penners, noon potluck at Iris Holm’s apt. house. Bring dish to pass plus something short to read aloud. To carpool, meet at 11 a.m. in St. Dominic’s Church parking lot. Further info, contact Mary Jacobsen or Boyd Sutton.

Trade Lake

SUNDAY/22 Frederic

Jessica Strabel of Coomer Badgers 4-H Club wore the Cloe Clover costume as part of the Siren Fourth of July parade to promote 4-H and the Central Burnett County Fair. Strabel is shown here passing out flyers. – Photo submitted

Cushing • The Schimpps at Skonewood Christian Retreat Center, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls • Sunday breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, at the American Legion Post 143. Everyone welcome. • Wild Rice Pancake Breakfast, 7 a.m. to noon, at the airport. Drive or fly in. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 875.

MON. - FRI./16 - 20 St. Croix Falls

• Festival Theatre presents By the River, Creativity Day Camp for kids ages 5-12. For more information contact 715-483-3387 or 888-8876002 or www.festivaltheatre.org.

MONDAY/16 Frederic

• American Legion & Auxiliary #249 meeting, 7 p.m. at the legion hall. • Spades at 1:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

Luck

• Danish Brotherhood Society picnic at the Lions Park, 5:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass & own utensils.

St. Croix Falls

• Wine-tasting Fundraiser, 6-9 p.m. at the Trade Lake Winery

• Christian Women’s Luncheon 11:30 a.m, at the senior center. Call 651-257-1768 or 715857-5573 for reservations.

Webster

Siren

• Passport Fair, 2-5 p.m., at the post office.

SAT.-SUN./14-15 Indian Creek

• Indian Creek Tavern Softball Tournament. 715-653-2671.

SATURDAY/14 Amery

• A Writers Forum. An evening of original stories, poems & essays read by the authors as published in Northern Lakes “Soundings” 7:30 p.m., at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts.

Balsam Lake • Outside Books Outside. Brad and Jason Levenhagen will be at the library with an interactive program aimed at reintroducing children to nature through nonfiction books. All ages welcome - bring a friend. 715-485-3215 for information.

Frederic

• Frederic Senior Citizen, share-a-lunch, noon. Bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. or cards, pool or fellowship.

Webster

• Adoption Awareness meeting 6-8 p.m., at the Burnett County Government Center, Room 162.

Taylors Falls, Minn, • Christian Women’s Club meets, 11:30 a.m. for lunch at the senior center. Music by Michele Lynch, feature by Barb Young and speaker will be Deb Gerard.

TUESDAY/17 Amery

• Sjoland Lodge 5-635, Sons of Norway meet, 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Phyllis Knutson will demonstrate Scandinavian birch-bark basket weaving.

Clam Falls

Rice Lake

• “Always Patsy Cline” at Northern Star Theatre Company. Wed.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Call 715-736-444 for more info.

WEDNESDAY/18 Frederic

• Pokeno played at 1 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

Luck

• Music at the Pavilion Series: The Wilson Family Singers, 6:30 p.m. For more info www.luckwisconsin.com.

Osceola • Pie, Ice Cream & Bar-B-Q, 4-7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.

St. Croix Falls • 1942 St. Croix Falls Class Reunion at the senior center.

THURS.-SUN./19-22 SCF/Taylors Falls

• Wannigan Days: Thursday, 8 p.m. Talent Show; Friday 5 p.m. River Spirit sculpture unveiling; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Arts & Crafts Fair, 6 p.m. parade; Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. flapjacks at the fire dept. 715-483-3580 or 651-4656365 for information.

THURSDAY/19 Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

Luck

• Music at the Pavilion Series: The Danville Family Singers, 6:30 p.m. For more info www.luckwisconsin.com. • American Legion & Auxiliary picnic: 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Park. Bring a dish to pass & own utensels. Badger boy & girl will be attending.

St. Croix Falls

• Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; general meeting potluck at 5 p.m.; 500 cards and dominoes to follow.

Webster

Grantsburg • Christian Women meet 9 a.m., Music by Ann Bell, Feature by Terry Giles, RN and speaker Deb Gerard. Reservations call Pam at 715-4635953.

• Lucky Days Co-ed softball tournament, Call 715-472-8782 or 715-472-8677 for more info.

Milltown • Polk County United Aging Group meeting, 1:30-3:30 p.m., in the Community Room of Sunnyview Apartments. Barb Ceder will speak on SeniorCare and Medicare savings.

SUNDAY/15

Osceola

Alpha

WED. - SUN./18 - 22

• Webster All-school reunion at Ike Walton Lodge, 11 a.m. social hour. Noon dinner, 715866-7101 for information.

• Coffee hour, 9 a.m. at the Lutheran Church.

• Burnett County Lakes & Rivers Assoc. annual meeting, 9 a.m. at Forts Folle Avoine. • Salad Luncheon Benefit for Burnett Community Library at the community center, at 11:30 a.m.

• The Schimpps Gospel Concert at Calvary Covenant, 10:30 a.m.

• Pokeno played at 1 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center. • Unveiling of River Spirit sculpture, at Overlook Deck, 5 p.m.

• Outdoor Mass St. Dominic and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches at the Siren Park, 6 p.m. Call 715-327-8119 for more info.

FRI. - SUN./13 - 15

Coming event items are published as a public service. Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue.

FRI.-SUN./20-22 Luck

FRI. & SAT./20 &21 Luck

• 2nd-annual Craft Sale, at The Hardware Store, Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

• St. Dominic’s 45th-annual Summer Festival, Polka Mass at 10:30 a.m. Chicken dinner at 11 a.m. Games for young and old and much more. • Danville Singers to perform at Pilgrim Lutheran worship service, 9 a.m. Call 715-3278012 for more info.

Grantsburg • Lundstrom’s Gospel music at Grace Church, 9 a.m.

Luck

• FFA Alumni Tractor Pull, in industrial park. Registration at 9 a.m., start at noon. Call 715554-2233, 715-554-1533 or 715-557-0973 for more info.

MONDAY/23 Amery

• Cribbage at 1:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Frederic • Spades at 1:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

TUESDAY/24 Amery

• Double-eliminaton pool tournament at 9 a.m., at the senior center for both men and women. Call the center at 715-268-6605 to sign up.

Balsam Lake

• Adult CPR classes, 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested, call Terry Anderson at 715-4853025.

St. Croix Falls

• Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; 500 cards and dominoes at 12:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/25 Balsam Lake

• Infant/Child CPR classes, 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested, call Terry Anderson at 715485-3025.

Frederic

• Pokeno played at 1 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center. • Culpepper & Merriweather Circus at the high school, 5 & 7 p.m.

Grantsburg • Outdoor Mass St. Dominic and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches at the home of Dave Rudolph, 6 p.m. Call 715-327-8119 for more info.

THURS.-SUN./26-29 St. Croix Falls

• Polk County Fair, horse pull at 8 p.m.

THURSDAY/26 Balsam Lake

• Blood donation, 12:30-6:30 p.m., at Our Lady of the Lakes. • First Aid classes, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested, call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025.

Frederic

SAT. & SUN./21 & 22

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.

St. Croix Falls

• 31st-annual World Championship Snowmobile Watercross, Call 715-463-4269 for more info.

• Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; dominoes at 12:30 p.m.; 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

• Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Frederic

FRIDAY/27

• Blood donation, 12:30-6:30 p.m. at the high school.

Grantsburg

FRIDAY/20

St. Croix Falls

Amery


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Twelve seek title of Miss St. Croix Falls ST. CROIX FALLS-Twelve young women will compete for the title of Miss St. Croix Falls on Friday, July 20. The annual Wannigan Days celebration takes place July 19-22. The queen pageant on July 20 begins at 7 p.m., at the St. Croix Falls High School, also in the pageant are 14 Little Miss St. Croix Falls candidates of which one will be crowned Little Miss. The following are biographies of the Miss St. Croix Falls queen candidates: Annie Confer is sponsored by Bont Chiropractic. Her parents are John and Kay Confer. Confer’s hobbies and interests are track, Junior Olympic volleyball, youth group, being with her friends, summer basketball league and summer camps. Confer’s school activities are basketball, volleyball, forensics, S-club and choir. Her future plans are to attend a university for biological sciences. Confer would like to be Miss St. Croix Falls, she moved here during junior high, being very nervous about a new home and quickly became truly amazed at how kind the people are and what a great community there is in St. Croix Falls making it simple for her to adjust. “Becoming Miss St. Croix Falls, I would be an active role model and give back to the community I call home.” Jesel Price is sponsored by Johnson Motors. Her parents are Kevin and Shelley Price. Price’s hobbies and interests are soccer, acting, music and reading. Price’s school activities include choir, chamber singers, band, cheerleading and FFA. Her future plans are going on to college for photography and business management. Price would like to be Miss St. Croix Falls because she believes it would be a great way to be more involved in her community. Price feels she would be a great representative, because she’s just an average girl and would want younger girls to look up to her and realize that we are all great in our own special ways. By becoming Miss St. Croix Falls, Price feels this would be her chance to better know the community and become more active. Sharanda Whittaker is sponsored by S & C Bank. Her parents are Bob and Kelly Whittaker. Whittaker’s hobbies and interests are sports, painting and hanging out with friends. Whittaker is involved in basketball, cross country, track, Spark, color guard, concert band and forensics. Her future plans include going to the University of Minnesota to major in architecture. Whittaker would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she feels it would be a great experience and she would be getting a chance to go out and meet new people. Whittaker also believes she would have a chance to be a great role model for our younger people. Amanda Larson is sponsored by MarketPlace Foods. Her parents are Scott and Brenda Larson. Larson’s hobbies and interests include soaking up the sun in the summer, along with camping, yard work, gardening and hanging out with friends. She enjoys all sports, scrapbooking, baby-sitting, crocheting, being involved in Pre-Teen Wisconsin, and volunteering with youth sport programs and overall being a student. Larson’s future plans are to attend a four-year college and move on to further her interests in pursuing a career in pediatrics. Larson would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because there are so many possibilities and new experiences that come with being Miss St. Croix Falls. This would also give her a bigger chance to help the community. “It’s great to be able to be a part of the pageant for the experiences and friendships. The memories are worth it.” Tashina Martinson is sponsored by Pins ‘N Needles. Her parents are Paul and Diana Martinson. Martinson’s hobbies and interests include running, playing basketball, swimming, clogging, spending time with friends and family, camping and tubing. Martinson’s school activities include cross country, basketball, color guard, band, softball, choir, school play, clowns and forensics. Her future plans are to attend a college for dietary/health, also to become a clogging instructor. Martinson would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she has lived in St. Croix Falls all her life, and she feels it would be an honor to represent such a friendly community. “The experiences of meeting new people and learning even more about our town would be very rewarding. I would like to be thought of as a role model for others to look up to.” Jasmine Jones is sponsored by St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Her parents are Kevin and Andrea Jones. Jones’ hobbies and interests are sports, working with a team of great girls and to create a bond and friendship. She likes to work on cars and is involved in the demolition derbies. Her school activities are Clowns, softball, basketball and volleyball. Jones’ future plans are to attend a community college to accom-

Annie Confer

Jesel Price

Sharanda Whittaker

Amanda Larson

Tashina Martinson

Jasmine Jones

Meghan Smith

Abby Swenson

Shelby Ayde

Cassandra Andrewson

Jennifer Benoy

Katherine Wright

plish her generals, then moving on to a four-year college to become a gym teacher, athletic trainer or somewhere along the lines of the athletic department. After college, she would like to travel. “I would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because I believe it would be a great opportunity to create bonds with other towns and girls, also a chance to enjoy the opportunity to have the responsibility of representing our town.” Meghan Smith is sponsored by Eagle Valley Bank. Her parents are Steve and Jill Smith. Smith’s hobbies and interests include playing flute, piano, violin, running, swimming, tennis, cleaning and organizing, shopping, reading and listening to music. Her school activities include cross country, forensics, concert and marching band, track, concert choir and student council. Smith’s future plans include college or possibly attending a business management school. Smith would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls to show the St. Croix Falls and neighboring cities what great leadership she could provide and what a great chance to become a great role model. Abby Swenson is sponsored by The RiverBank. Her parents are Steve and Karrie Swenson. Swenson’s hobbies and interests include 4-H, she loves the farm, outdoors, hunting and fishing, friends and watching “The Notebook” and “Dirty Dancing.” Her school activities are volleyball, softball, the school play and forensics, while majoring in something in agriculture, and minoring in photography. Swenson would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she has lived here her whole life and has seen the changes. Swenson knows some of its amazing histories and feels lucky to live here. Being Miss St. Croix Falls would mean she could represent the very place she adores. Shelby Ayde is sponsored by St. Croix Falls Eye Associates. Her parents are Robert and Kristen Ayde. Ayde’s hobbies and interests include school, computers, camping, demolition derbies, paintballing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, shopping, boating, skiing, bowling, swimming, helping people, games, music and being with friends. Her school activities include danceline, forensics, softball, Spark and tutoring. Ayde’s future plans are to first complete high school and then maybe joining the National Guard. She would like to attend a two- to four-year college to continue her education. Ayde would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls

because she has always liked to challenge herself, and this would be something to strive for, also to meet new people and become involved in new things. Cassandra Andrewson is sponsored by Dalles Auto Sales. Her parents are Brad and Kris Andrewson. Andrewson’s hobbies and interests include singing and playing guitar, writing her own music, running, snowboarding and any sport to have fun and stay active. Her school activities are color guard, Clowns, kinship, allconference in track and cross country, choirs, state solo and ensembles and chamber singers. Andrewson’s future plans include taking a year to try and get her music career going, then possibly attending college to be able to own her own day care. Andrewson would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls so she may become a role model for other little girls with big dreams. Jennifer Benoy is sponsored by Clayton’s Hardware and Radio Shack. Her parents are Jeff and Terry Benoy. Benoy’s hobbies and interests include spending time with her family and friends, golf, reading and traveling. Her school activities include studying, girl’s golf, basketball, Clowns, yearbook, quiz bowl, National Honor Society, S-club, supporting other students, forensics, school play, class treasurer, band and choir. Benoy’s future plans are to attend a college and majoring in chemistry or mathematics to pursue a career in medical research. She would also like to play golf on a college team. Benoy believes we have a community in which we can be proud of with its beautiful scenery and expansions that are taking place. She is an outgoing person who would consider it an honor to represent the people by becoming Miss St. Croix Falls. Katherine Wright is sponsored by Trollhaugen Winter Recreation Area. Her parents are John and Denise Wright. Wright’s hobbies and interests include skiing, boating, travel, photography, water sports, movies, shopping and being outdoors. Her school activities are co-president DECA, member of yearbook staff, varsity ski team and NHS. Wright’s future plans include attending the best college possible to prepare for the business world. Becoming Miss St. Croix Falls would give Wright the chance to travel to many different communities to promote St. Croix Falls, the opportunity to meet many new people and a chance to give back to the community. Photos by Tammi Milberg

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JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Fourth of July celebrations • Bone Lake

The 2007 Bone Lake Boat Parade and picnic was a huge success. The event this year featured some of the best boat entries of all time. Over 300 people attended the picnic held on Bald Eagle Island. The 2007 king and grand marshal was Scott Studwell (R) of the Minnesota Vikings; his wife Jenny (L) served as queen of the waves. After the parade, the group returned to the island for the awards ceremony. The Best on Bone first-place award went to the Erickson family for their Bone Lake Beacon, a lighthouse on a boat.

LEFT: In addition to Scott Studwell (L), Cris Weinke, (far right) Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, attended the festivities. Also pictured is parade organizer, Commissioner Bill Jungbauer.

Photos submitted

THE ROSE GARDEN FLORAL & GREENH; 1.621"; 3"; Black; Non Roundhouse:EPS

X X


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Wisconsin State Patrol Law of the Month Drivers must yield to pedestrians SPOONER — It may be a shock to some drivers, but motor vehicles don’t own the road. They may also be surprised to learn that Wisconsin law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many situations. According to state law, drivers must: • Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing an intersection or crosswalk on a walk signal or on a green light, if there’s no walk signal. • Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals. • Yield to pedestrians when a vehicle is crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway. In addition, drivers may not legally overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are legally

crossing roadways may be issued citations that cost approximately $160 to $217, depending on the type of violation, along with four demerit points assessed on their license. A citation for passing a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian costs $312 with three demerit points. “To prevent crashes, drivers must obey the law and yield to pedestrians,” said Lieutenant Nick Wanink of the State Patrol Northwest Region, Spooner Post. ”Drivers also must slow down and pay attention, so they can see and safely react to pedestrians crossing the road. Drivers should be especially alert in areas where children typically cross roads, such as near schools, parks, playgrounds and in residential neighborhoods. Pedestrians also must be cautious, and they should not suddenly move into the path of a vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield.” Last year in Wisconsin, 56 pedestrians were killed and 1,372 were injured in traffic crashes. — from Wisconsin State Patrol

Once again, WI WINS! BURNETT COUNTY – Five students from Burnett County, along with adult supervisors were trained to assist with the WI WINS compliance checks. WI WINS campaign is a sciencebased, state-level initiative designed to decrease youth access to tobacco products. WI WINS was launched in the spring of 2002 by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing youth access to tobacco. It uses a positive reinforcement protocol known as Recognition and Reminder. DHFS contracts with local partners, including health departments and other human service agencies to conduct investigations to determine retailer compliances with the law. The federal government mandates that all states maintain a youth access rate of less than

20 percent. If a state’s buy rate exceeds 20 percent, it can lose 40 percent of its Federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funds which are used to provide treatment and prevention services. For Wisconsin, that 40 percent translates into $10 million of treatment and prevention services. Burnett County WI WINS team recognized 37 out of 41 retailers not selling tobacco products to minors. The clerks were given a movie pass to Timbers Theater as a reward for not selling tobacco products to the minors. The business will go into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to be held at the end of the year. Congratulations to all the 37 business for doing the right thing. – submitted

Rotary president turns over gavel

On Thursday, July 5, the Siren/Webster Rotary Club presidential gavel was passed from Roberta Rudiger (L), club president for 2006-2007, to Kelly Hibbs, club president for 2007-2008. Other new officers include: President-Elect Mike Kornmann and Vice President Ken Kutz. The Siren/Webster Rotary Club was chartered in March 2003. Lunch meetings are held every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Pour House, Siren. Visiting Rotarians and prospective club members are always welcome to attend. – Photo by Nancy Jappe


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Fourth of July celebrations • Clam Falls

Caroline Siem, queen of the Clam Falls Campground, and Jay Cordie, king, during the Clam Falls parade.

The Clam Falls Campground Red Hat Ladies enjoyed themselves in the Clam Falls Fourth of July parade.

Photos by Suzanne Johnson LEFT: Chuck and Lois Sahr participated in the Clam Falls Fourth of July parade.

Circus coming to Frederic FREDERIC – The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will be in Frederic on Wednesday, July 25, at the Frederic 7-12 school grounds. Show times will be at 5 and 7 p.m.

This year the circus will be sponsored by Burnett Youth Hockey with all of the proceeds helping to fund the youth skating program. The cost of advance discount tickets is

$8 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets are now available at the Frederic Public Library, the Frederic Swimming Pool, Bremer Bank, U.S. Bank and the Harlander/Tesch Dental Office in Frederic.

Tickets are also available in Siren at the Bremer Bank, U.S. Bank and the Siren Children’s Center. - submitted


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Academic news Anders (Andy) Nelson, son of Mark and Laurie Nelson of St. Croix Falls, has been named to the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management Spring Semester dean's list 2007 for earning at least a 3.66 grade-point-average or higher in 12 or more A/F credits for the semester. Andy, a 2006 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School is a freshman in the Carlson School of Management majoring in finance. ••• The following students received academic honors from the UW-Green Bay for their maintaining a 3.99 to 3.75 gradepoint-average (high honors) and 3.74 to 3.50 (honors): receiving high honors: Ashton Peterson, Balsam Lake; Andrea Didlo, Frederic; Anthony McCoy, Mill-

town; Chase Hedrick, St. Croix Falls. Receiving honors: Andrew Rosendahl, Centuria; Crystal Osman, Luck; Jenna Lund, Osceola; and Stephen Segner, St. Croix Falls. ••• The following students have been named to the dean's list at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Christopher C. Johnson, sophomore, biology, Amery; Ashley R. Fall, senior, exercise/sport science: fitness, Clayton; Ross A. Benitz, sophomore, finance, Osceola; Kyle J. Burkhamer, freshman, biology, Osceola; Jacob R. Cox, senior, biology, Osceola; Derek E. Ligget, senior, public administration, Osceola; Tina L. Schmidt, junior, biochemistry, Osceola; Amanda D. Mewes, senior, exericise/sport science:

fitness, St. Croix Falls; Nicole E. Lohman, senior, archaeological studies, Danbury; Joseph P. Olson, sophomore, nuclear medicine technology, Grantsburg; Nicholas M. Ryan, sophomore, biology, Grantsburg; Peter G. Byl, sophomore, Pre-Ess teaching, Luck; Christa J. Petersen, sophomore, early childhood-middle childhood ed., Luck; Michael W. Stonesifer, sophomore, preearly adolescence, Luck; Michael C. Johnson, sophomore, marketing, Siren; Julie E. Schmidt, senior, psychology, Webster; Tyler J. Tarman, freshman, undeclared major, Osceola. ••• The following students were named to the chancellor's list at UW-Platteville (GPA average 4.0 and minimum 12 cred-

its) Joanna Haas (also named to dean's list), liberal arts and education, Frederic; Jacob Friberg (also named to dean's list), engineering, mathematics and science, Frederic; Kayla Kemp (also named to dean's list), business, industry, life science and agriculture, Shell Lake. The following students were named to the dean's list (GPA 3.75 or above): Rebecca Johnson, engineering, mathematics and science, Clear Lake; Alex Goehring, engineering, mathematics and science, Dresser; Daniel Smith, engineering, mathematics and science, Shell Lake; Tyler Hardrath, engineering, mathematics and science college and business, industry, life science and agriculture college, Unity. •••

Interstate Park Nature Story Time at Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS - Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker at Wisconsin Interstate Park at 10 a.m. every Thursday through August for a story and activity for children pre-k through kindergarten and their parents. The short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Story Time will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Please check at the park office upon arrival for the program location.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35, just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. The programs are free of charge, but a state park sticker is required to enter the park. For more information call Julie or Barb at 715-483-3747. Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Friday, July 13 3 p.m. – Family Fun: So You Want to Be A Lumberjack? Give it a try! Meet Naturalist Julie Fox at the Ice Age Center to learn about the tools used by the lumberjacks of long ago, and then give them a try yourself. A hands-on learning ex-

perience for children and their parents. Saturday, July 14 1:30 p.m. – What’s Fluttering – Butterfly or Moth? A fun program for elementary-aged children and their parents and take home your very own crafted butterfly pin. Meet at the picnic shelter at Camp Interstate located across from the South Campground entrance. 4 p.m. – A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Meet Naturalist Barb Walker at the Pothole Trail sign and take a hike back in time to see the wonders created over the last billion years. 7 p.m. – “Sun-Sational” Secrets of

Eagle Peak. Hike up to the top of Eagle Peak before the sun sets to learn the secrets of the Peak. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. Wednesday, July 18 2 p.m. – Hike to Horizon Rock. Meet Naturalist Barb Walker at the Horizon Rock trail sign in front of the Ice Age Center. Learn about the geology and history of the area and see the incredible view of the St. Croix River Valley at Horizon Rock. Wear comfortable shoes.

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JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

OBITUARIES Ruth Marie Ehlers

Howard Mattson

Helen B. Johnson

Ruth Marie Ehlers died July 2, 2007, at the age of 98, at Willow Ridge. Ruth Marie Ehlers was born on Aug. 12, 1908, in Siren. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She spent her early years in Siren, and later worked at Mounds Park Hospital in the Twin Cities for many years. She was united in marriage to Alvin Ehlers. They lived in St. Paul, Minn., for a short time, then moved to Frederic, where they made their home until the time of his death. She moved to Willow Ridge in Amery in June of 1990. During her life, she enjoyed crocheting and made many different items. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters Annie, Ellen and Ruth; and brothers David and Carl. She is survived by nieces; nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 5, 2007, at the Williamson Funeral Home in Amery, with Pastor Wayne Deloach officiating. Soloist was Arlen Peterson. Organist was Rhonda Haley. Casket bearers were DuWayne Wiberg, Ronald Nyren, Douglas Nyren, James Stream, Dennis Wiberg and Wayne Wiberg. Honorary casket bearers were: Earl Spaulding Jr., David Spaulding and Clifford Nyren. Interment was at the Lakeview Cemetery in Siren. The Williamson Funeral Home in Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

Howard Mattson of Atlas died peacefully in his home on July 4, 2007, surrounded by his family. Howard waged a tenacious battle against cancer, but succumbed at age 73. Howard was born in Bone Lake Township, on Sept. 16, 1933, to Freeman and Elizabeth (Schlemmer) Mattson. He married Marjorie Olson on April 21, 1956, and together they had four children, Joyce, Jim, Jon and Jayne. After graduating from Luck High School, Howard served in the Army, where he worked as a photo-mapper in Japan. Upon returning from service and marrying Marjorie, Howard worked at various jobs including driving truck and school bus before settling on a career in road construction. Howard retired in 1996 after 25 years of service. He also served many years as the treasurer for the town of Laketown. A hard worker and very mechanical, Howard could fix anything. In addition to his aptitude for machines, he dabbled with inventions and woodworking. While an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman in his early years, during retirement he found joy in gardening, his family, and of course, his dogs. He was preceded in death by his father, Freeman Mattson; and his mother, Elizabeth Mattson. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marjorie Mattson; daughters, Joyce Mattson (Dennis Wille) of Owatonna, Minn., and Jayne (Steve) Malueg of West Concord, Minn.; his sons, Jim (Debra) Mattson of Frederic and Jon Mattson (friend Rebecca Kes) of Luck; and grandchildren, Russel (Monica) Mattson, Melisa (Roberto) Rodriguez, Adam Mattson, Christa and Maren Wille, Shyyanne Mattson and Carlee Malueg. A memorial service was held Monday, July 9, at 2 p.m. at the Atlas United Methodist Church. The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

Helen B. Johnson, 85, of New Richmond, formerly of the Milltown area, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at the St. Croix Health Care and Nursing Home Center in New Richmond. Helen was born on Sept. 25, 1921, in Jefferson, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Alvin Glenna on July 4, 1942. To this union four children were born, Anita, Beverly, Ellery and Gale. The family lived in various cities over the years. Helen married for a second time in 1956, to Axel Johnson, and lived in Milltown until she was admitted to the St. Croix Health Care Center and Nursing Home in New Richmond in 1990. Helen will be remembered for her love of music and her ability to entertain everyone by playing the guitar and singing. She is survived by her children, Anita (Chuck) Siltberg of Dresser, Beverly Ebert of New Richmond, Ellery (Lois) Glenna of Balsam Lake, Gale (Shirley) Glenna of Milltown, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother, Darvin (Eileen) Cox, Rena (Delmar) Kampen, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Geneva Cox; husband, Axel Johnson; four brothers; two sisters and two grandsons. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 6, 2007, at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria at 1 p.m. The family greeted visitors for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment was at the Balsam Lake Cemetery. The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.

Marion Ellen Adelia Byl Marion Ellen Adelia Byl, 78, died on June 30, 2007, after a second brave battle with cancer. After a brief stay in the Amery Hospital, she returned home, where she passed away. Marion Ellen Adelia was born on Sept. 5, 1928. She was the third child of Fritz and Tensie Olson of Frederic. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church at Trade Lake. She graduated from Frederic High School and worked as a LPN at the Frederic Hospital. She married Vern Byl on May 15, 1948, at the Little Brown Church, along with Vernon’s sister Geri and Andy Swensen in a double wedding ceremony. They settled on their farm in rural Atlas and raised five children. Marion was preceded in death by her husband; parents and brother Wally Olson. She is survived by her children Kathleen White of Woodbury, Minn., Michael (Joyce) of Atlas, Brenda (Mark) Ryan of Virginia, Patrick (Jeanne) of Osceola and Jon (Wendy) of Hudson; grandchildren, Shawn (Csilla) Graves, Heidi (Chris) Meers, Sara, Jenny, Laura, Paul, Heather, Travis and Austin Byl and Jami, Eric, Cory and Adam Ryan; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Alexis Graves and triplets Brock, Brady and Bree Meers; sisters Marjorie (Gunnard) Linder, Marlette (Donelly) Jensen, Marlene (Roger) Carlson, Marcella (Merlin) Schmidt; many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. Marion was laid to rest at a private family gathering on July 4, at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Ethel Lucille Erickson Ethel Erickson, 85, died June 27, 2007. Ethel Lucille Carlson was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 28, 1921, the only child of Malcom and Olga Carlson. She was raised on a farm east of Frederic, and went to school in Frederic. Ethel married Alvin T. Erickson and raised four children, staying in the Frederic community her entire life. She was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Ethel enjoyed gardening, bird watching, dancing and being social. Ethel worked for Stokley’s Canning Factory, the YoYo Factory in Luck and cleaned businesses and homes. She belonged to both Frederic and Luck Senior Centers and enjoyed the planned activities that they organized. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband and son, Kenneth. She is survived by children Dorothy (Tim) Olson, Irene (Bill) Mattson and Harold (Lori) Erickson and grandchildren Tom Olson, Marcy Mattson, Alexis and Andrew Erickson.

Lucille H. Melin Lucille H. Melin, 84, of Frederic, died July 6, 2007, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Lucille was born March 26, 1923, to Elsie and Fred Erickson in Trade Lake and grew up with one sister and one brother. She attended Trade Lake #3 Grade School and Grantsburg High School. Lucille was married to Wilbur E. Melin for nearly 60 years. After farming for many years in the Atlas area, they moved to Frederic in 1980. She continued to live there after Wilbur’s death in February 2003. Lucille was very active in the successful farming venture. After retiring she enjoyed canning produce from the garden, attending auctions, tracing family history, spending time at the lake, and caring for the many flowers she planted and loved. In her later years, Lucille enjoyed her regular telephone conversations with her sister Jane Pearson, brother Dennis Erickson, sister-in-law Alice Gustafson and friends Laura Perkins and Micky Sullwold. And she looked forward to her ice cream cone from the Alpha creamery after returning from doctor appointments in Grantsburg. Watching soaps with her granddaughter Tammy was also a favorite activity. And not to be forgotten is the companionship she got from her dog Tina. They enjoyed each others company tremendously. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Lucy) and Larry (Nancy); and daughter Carolyn (Marv) Melin-Risberg. She has seven grandchildren: Tammy (Jay), Robin (Tony), Heidi (Paul), Jamie (Aren), Christopher, Jennifer (fiancée David) and Julie (Bruce). She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, sister Jane, brother Dennis (Jeanine), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 11, at Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic with Pastor Dave Almlie officiating. Music was provided by Linda Pederson. Pallbearers were Christopher Melin, Jamie Melin, Bruce Peper, Jay Clark, Paul Colbeth and Tony Bushinger. Interment was at the Swedish Mission Cemetery in Trade Lake. The Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, was entrusted with arrangements.

Milton L. Braman Milton L. Braman, age 68, died Monday, July 2, 2007, at his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Milton was born in Tomahawk, to Elvin M. and Myrtle M. Braman. He graduated from Superior East High School and attended Mount Scenario College in Ladysmith. He married Kathy Walberg, and together they raised two children, Kim and Aric. Milton served as a minister for the United Methodist Church at Exeland, Birchwood, Balsam Lake and Centuria. He was later employed at the Unity School District for several years prior to his employment with the Polk County Parks and Recreation Department. There he eventually moved to the Polk County Office of Aging as a benefit specialist where he found satisfaction assisting and serving others. Milton was also employed as a beekeeper and in graphic art – printing business. Milton was a poet and artist. He enjoyed family and friends, the outdoors, as well as camping, fishing and hiking. Milton was also a Mason with the Masonic Temple. Milton was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Kim and Aric; grandchildren, Arin and Alyssa; brother, Elvin; and sister-in-law, Dawn Braman. A memorial service was held Monday, July 9, 2007, at the United Methodist Church in St. Croix Falls with Pastor Mark Peacock presiding. The Rowe Funeral Home in Luck was entrusted with arrangements.

Arlin Laier Arlin Laier, 87, died on June 12, 2007, at home in Federal Way, Wash. Arlin was born in Cushing on April 18, 1920. His parents were Mike and Alma Laier. He was brother to Francella, Annabel, Robert and George. On Jan. 10, 1942, Arlin married Helen Palmer of St. Croix Falls. They were married in Rolla, Mo., where Arlin was serving in the Army. After the war, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in engineering. After college in 1949, Arilin, Helen and their first child, Bruce, moved to Seattle, where Arlin had a 33-year career working at Boeing Aircraft Company. During this time Dennis, Brian, Nancy and Connie were added to their family. They now have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Glendale Lutheran Church on June 15, in Burien, Wash., where Arlin had been a member for 57 years.


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OBITUARIES Jerome E. Hallberg Jerry Hallberg of Fairbanks, Alaska, died peacefully at home from complications associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) on July 4, 2007, with Pam, his wife of 37 years, and daughter Jamie at his side. During his threeyear journey with ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease, he showed his family and friends his character as a person of strength and courage. He was 60 years old. Jerry was born on Oct. 30, 1946, in Amery, and raised on the family’s 200-acre dairy farm in Balsam Lake, where hunting, fishing and trapping were a big part of his youth. The seventh of eight children, he was the first to be born in a hospital, and the last sibling to attend the nearby one-room schoolhouse before they all went “to town” for school. He graduated from Unity High School in 1964. Jerry was in the Army from 196668 and had a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam in 196667 as a helicopter door gunner. Jerry married Pam Spaulding on Aug.29, 1970, in Siren. They lived in River Falls, where Jerry attended the university for the next four years. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Jerry and Pam moved to Alaska in 1974. Jerry began working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in January 1975, landing his dream job as a sport fish biologist. Jerry had a 24-year career with the Sport Fish Division where he camped and fished on lakes and rivers across Alaska. Jerry was formally diagnosed with ALS in February 2005. He was the first Alaskan with ALS to attend the national ALS advocacy conference in Washington, D.C. in May 2005. He was also featured on a local segment of the Fall 2005 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for ALS awareness. Jerry was a member of the Midnight Sun Fly Casters, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Assn., Tanana Valley Sportsmen’s Assn., Alaska Outdoor Council, Salcha River Property Owners and the American Legion. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen (Larson) Hallberg, and his brother, Gary Hallberg. He is survived by his wife, Pam and daughter, Jamie, both of Fairbanks, Alaska; brothers, Doug, Stu, Tom (Bonnie), and Gene all of the Balsam Lake area; sisters Darlene (Dorance) Holmberg of Frederic, Bonnie (Oscar Venegas) Thoreson of Alhambra, Calif.; father-and mother-in-law, Earl and Arlene Spaulding of Balsam Lake; brother-in-law, Dave Spaulding of Fairbanks, Alaska; Fran Hallberg of Plymouth, Minn.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close family friends. A celebration of life will be held on July 13 in Fairbanks, Alaska, and another in Wisconsin on Friday, July 20, 7 p.m. at the Balsam Lake Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Kids Fishing, Midnight Sun Fly Casters, P. O. Box 81255, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708-1255.

Nana Joanie M. Phillips

Barbara Jean (Thurner) Broom

Barbara Jean (Thurner) Broom, Eureka area, died Nana Joanie M. Phillips, age 73, beloved mother, peacefully at her home in the presence of her family on grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and June 5, 2007, at the age of 70 after a long battle with canfriend. cer. She passed away peacefully July 1, 2007, surrounded Barbara was born Jan. 13, 1937. by family. She was preceded in death by father, Frank Thurner; Nana Joanie was a loving grandmother and great- mother, Blanche (Thurner) Anderson, and brother, grandmother to all 11 of her grandchildren. Nana loved Greger Anderson. to read, watch court TV and eat chocolate brownies. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ed She was a great decorator who always had an eye for Broom; children: Dale (Lisa) Broom, Suzie (Jeff) Helstyle. A burial service will be held Sunday, July 15, 2007, berg, Debbie Thompson and Gene Broom; brothers, at 3 p.m. at Hertel Lakeview Cemetery. A luncheon will Frank (Becky) Thurner, Jim (Hilma) Thurner and Kenny follow in the basement of Hertel United Methodist (Pat) Thurner; sisters, Lynne (Rick) Jarmon and Nancy Church. (Chris) Jones; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Evy (Del) Tyler and George (Cherie) Broom; grandchildren, Sara (Chris), Jessica (Rick), Tracy, Michael, Julie, Cory, Madeline and Wyatt; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Brenna, Cole, Noah, Kevin, Ethan, Quinn and Hayley Rae; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth W. Brown Ruth W. Brown, 90, died at the St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Center on July 9, 2007. Ruth was born April 5, 1917, in Minneapolis, to Oscar and Gudrun Wangensteen. She graduated from South High School and attended the Minnesota School of Business. Ruth was employed by Northwestern National Life Insurance Company in Minneapolis, until 1940, when she married Bodin Brown of St. Croix Falls. To this union one son was born. They made their home in Cushing and Taylors Falls, Minn., before moving to St. Croix Falls in 1943. In 1944 Ruth started working at Erickson’s Grocery Store. After retirement and following Bodin’s death, Ruth continued to live in her home in St. Croix Falls until she moved into the St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Center in 2003. During her stay there she enjoyed reading and visiting with people, many of whom had been her customers over the years. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her son, Dennis Brown; sister, Alma (Albert) Swanson of Champlin, Minn.; brothers-in-law Tom Brown of St. Croix Falls and Arnold Brown of Issaquah, Wash.; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Memorial services will be held at United Methodist Church in St. Croix Falls on Friday, July 13, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Mark Peacock officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Karen L. Wolf Karen L. Wolf, age 61, of Vadnais Heights, Minn., died peacefully at her home on July 8, 2007. Karen was born and raised in Frederic. She is preceded in death by her mother, Doris Berquist. Karen is survived by husband, Don; father, Harvey Berquist; daughters, Kara Despiegelaere, Debra (Tom) Engbrecht and Darci (Shawn) Fertch; six grandchildren; sister, Julie (Wally) Zastrow; brother, Douglas Berquist and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Lupus Foundation. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 12, at 7 p.m., at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., 612-825-2435, with visitation at 6 p.m. Burial will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Frederic at a later date.


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS Discerning our predators

him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' "So is he who lays up treasure for I recently read an interesting article about the himself, and is not rich toward God." Then He said antics of a baboon. Someone observed an old bato His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not boon running through a row of corn and literally worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about cleaning every single ear off each of the stalks. the body, what you will put on. Life is more than The baboon would grab an ear of corn and tuck it food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider under his arm, then another, putting it under the the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which same arm. He must not have been very smart, have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds because when he would raise his arm to put the them. Of how much more value are you than the second ear of corn under it, the first would albirds? And which of you by worrying can add one ways drop to the ground. He would go all the cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do way down the row, however, putting one ear the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Conafter another under the same arm and dropping sider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor THE the previous one. When he reached the end of the spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his row he would have only one ear of corn. The baglory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God boon would then sit down with a worried exso clothes the grass, which today is in the field and pression on his face, wondering where the rest of tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more the corn had gone. This poor animal was so anxwill He clothe you, O you of little faith? "And do ious to have all that he could see that he ended not seek what you should eat or what you should up loosing all that he had. Someone has pointed out that “God never promised to give us everything we drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the want; he just promised to supply our need. We must be able nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that to forego today's wants in view of tomorrow's needs.” Liv- you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and ing in a land of plenty, we have grown accustomed to get- all these things shall be added to you. (Luke 12:15-31 NKJV) Unfortunately our Western world has not yet come to ting what we want RIGHT NOW! Many a life has suffered disappointment because they, like the old baboon, sought grips with the fact that when one’s main goal in life is to be to horde the things of life in an effort to possess more. Jesus rich, he is inviting trouble into his life, and in the process he reminds us that a man's life does not consist in the abun- often makes a monkey of himself. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to coundance of the things which he may possess. And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetous- sel. (Proverbs 12:15 KJV) There is no wiser counsel than the ness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the Word of God. (adapted from an article written by Tom Wathings he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, say- caster) If readers have questions or simply wish to know more ing: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, about the church of Christ, we would like to invite them to since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 and I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my worship begins at 10:30. We also meet Wednesday evenings soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; at 7:00 pm. Office hours are Tuesday’s through Friday’s take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' But God said to 9am-noon.

A lesson from a baboon

I heard a chorus of coyotes the other morning, in broad daylight, just as I was about to start my daily walk. While traveling the country road that day, I searched for coyote Sally Bair tracks and found several, as well as the tracks of man and dog. The coyote prints traveled helter-skelPERSPECTIVES ter along one side of the road, while man and dog’s tracks followed a tidy, straight line on the other side. My head swung back and forth as I constantly searched the edge of the nearby woods and fields. I reminded myself of an owl with its head shifting from side to side while looking for prey. As I walked steadily ahead, I kept my mind going even faster in prayer. Although there was no imminent danger, I did not want to meet the pack of coyotes. So I prayed that God’s spirit would give me supernatural discernment regarding the what and wherefore of danger. I believe the Holy Spirit anoints us (fills us with supernatural knowledge) in times of danger—not only fills our minds, but our eyes, ears and other senses. We’ve probably all heard of or read stories about people who have been given special insight in times of imminent danger. Some have smelled danger. Others have actually seen evil things unseen by others. Noises unheard by other people have brought some people the distinct sense of harm. This is not hokey. There are evil spirits around that are intent on stealing our health, our lives and the lives of our loved ones. There are other dangers that appear deceptively harmless, too. Jesus often reminded his followers to beware of certain dangers regarding their faith. So did Paul in his New Testament letters. We should not be taken in by any philosophy that is inconsistent with Christ’s teachings. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:89) Lord, help us to be watchful always, not only of obvious evil from both four-legged and two-legged creatures, but also of deceptive teachings that can erode our faith in you. In Jesus’ name, amen. Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com

ETERNAL

Avalanche Ranch at First Baptist of Webster WEBSTER – Boys and girls, ages 3 to grade six are invited to Avalanche Ranch, July 30 – Aug. 3, at First Baptist Church of Webster. This fun-filled week will include stories, songs, crafts, games and snacks and will be held evenings from 6:30 - 9:15 p.m. There is no charge, but children are encouraged to bring money to help buy a horse for a missionary. Preregistration is helpful. Interested parents may call the church at 866-4111. – submitted

Garret Derouin

PREACHER’S

PEN

Music at Pilgrim Lutheran FREDERIC – Pilgrim Lutheran Church celebrated the sixth Sunday after Pentecost this past Sunday. Special music was performed by Milton Johnson of Lewis and one of his song selections was the ever popular “Amazing Grace.” Mark your calendars to join us for 9 a.m. worship services over the next several weeks as we will be featuring special music. On Sunday, July 15, Brad Knauber will be featured. On Sunday, July 22, the Danielson family from Cadott, will be singing. “The family that plays together, stays together” to redo an old saying, describes the Danielson family or Danville Singers as they are known to the folk music world. This folk group has a history stretching back more than

25 years and is made up of Kathy and Tim Danielson, their daughter, Casey and son Joe. They have performed in many churches and concerts and on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. they will be performing at the Gazebo in Luck. On Sunday, July 29 special music will be presented by The Klawitter Family. This writer met the newly hired choir director, Joshua Rau who recently moved to Frederic with his wife, Ami and their little girl. Choir rehearsal will begin in September. Music has been and continues to be an important part of worship services at Pilgrim. For more information, call the church office at 715327-8012 or go to their Web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org. – submitted

Lundstroms offer spiritual “first-aid” at GRANTSBURG - Larry and Gloria Lundstrom of Sisseton, S.D. have criss-crossed the U.S. and Canada for nearly 40 years. Together they share a heart for families in crisis. They will present their down-to-earth presentation of the Gospel through music and heart-rendering ministry for those of all ages on Sunday, July 22, at 9 a.m. at Grantsburg’s Grace Church. They have personally encountered and have seen the condition of the traditional family as terminal and fading fast with divorce, domestic violence and addictions. All of these are tearing homes apart. Larry and Gloria come to offer spiritual “first-aid” to families in crisis. Even though the road to the church may look closed, the parking lot is open. A shuttle bus will pick up campers on north side at 8 a.m. and at the fairgrounds

Bethany Lutheran Vacation Bible School set GRANTSBURG – Float Your Boat – Build Your Faith is the theme of Bethany Lutheran Vacation Bible School this summer. Please join us, free of charge, Monday, Aug. 13, through Thursday, the 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Grades pre-K through six are invited to attend! Be prepared to have fun, make new friends and get wet! We will be learning all about creation, trust, the great flood and God’s promise. All denominations are invited to attend. Please bring a friend. Contact Racheal Trittelwitz at 715-463-2529 to register or Bethany Walker and Angela Bram with any questions. – submitted

Larry and Gloria Lundstrom at 8:15. Grace is one block east of the traffic light on Hwy. 70. - submitted

Schimpps to perform at Calvary Covenant The Schimpps will be presenting a gospel concert on Sunday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Covenant in Alpha. The Schmipps have been presenting gospel concerts on a consistent basis since 1983 when Gary was the director of promotions for Minnesota Christians Broadcasters, Inc. Their music has taken them throughout the midwest and parts of Canada. When possible, Gary and Carmen are joined by daughters, Dawn, Andrea, Heather, and pianist son-in-law Gary Timbs. It is their desire to offer a quality selection of songs that will challenge and uplift their audience in their Christian walk. - submitted


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CHURCH NEWS Not all A.D.D. kids display hyperactivity Q: My daughter has some of the symptoms commonly associated with attention deficit disorder, but she is a very quiet child. Are some ADD kids withdrawn and sedate? DR. DOBSON: Yes. ADD is not always associated with hyperactivity, especially in girls. Some of them are "dreamy" and detached. Regrettably, they are sometimes called "airheads" or "space cadets." Such a child can sit looking at a book for 45 minutes without reading a word. One teacher told me about a girl in her class who would lose every article of clothing that wasn't hooked to her body. Nearly every day, the teacher would send this child back to the playground to retrieve her sweater or coat, only to have her return 15 minutes later without it. She had forgotten what she went after. A boy or girl with that kind of distractibility would find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get home night after night with books and assignments written down, and then to complete the work and return it in the next morning. Frankly, the "far away" child worries me more than the one who is excessively active. She may be seen as a good little girl who just isn't very bright, while the troublemaker is more likely to get the help he needs. He's too irritating to ignore. Those who are hyperactive and those who are not have one characteristic in common. It is distractibility. Even though they flit from one thing to another, the name "attention deficit disorder" is not quite on target. It's better than the old term, "minimal brain damage," but there is also misinformation in the current designa-

tion. The problem is not that these children have a short attention span. At times, they can become lost in something that greatly interests them to the point that they aren't aware of anything going on around them. Instead, they have an insatiable need for mental stimulation during every waking moment. The moment they Dr. James become bored with what they are Dobson doing, they dash off in search of the next exciting possibility. One father told me about his 4 year old son with ADD. He said, "If you let that kid get bored, you deserve what he's going to do to you." That applies to millions of children. ••• Q: You've been somewhat critical of America's public schools in recent years. Who do you hold accountable for what has gone wrong? DR. DOBSON: I share the concern of many others about falling test scores, increasing violence on campuses and the high illiteracy rate, among other serious problems with today's schools. But I am not quick to blame educators for everything that has gone wrong. The teachers and school administrators who guide our children have been among the most maligned and underappreciated people in our society. They are an easy target for abuse. They are asked to do a terribly difficult job, and yet they are criticized almost daily for circumstances beyond their control. Some of their critics act as though educators are deliberately failing our kids. I strongly disagree. We would still be having serious difficulties in our schools if the professionals did

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

everything right. Why? Because what goes on in the classroom cannot be separated from the problems occurring in culture at large. Educators are not responsible for the condition our kids are in when they arrive at school each day. It's not the teachers' fault that families are unraveling and that large numbers of their students have been sexually and/or physically abused, neglected and undernourished. They can't keep kids from watching mindless television or R rated videos until midnight or from using illegal substances or alcohol. In essence, when the culture begins to crumble, the schools will also look bad. That's why even though I disagree with many of the trends in modern education, I sympathize with the dedicated teachers and principals out there who are doing their best on behalf of our youngsters. They are discouraged today, and they need our support. ••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House. COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE

Brought to you by:

Siren Assembly of God Siren

Musical highlights at North Valley Lutheran Church CENTURIA - North Valley Lutheran Church of rural Centuria on CTH G by 200th Street is excited to offer the O’Briens, a male vocal group from Hudson on Sunday, July 15, at the 9:30 a.m. service. The O’Briens feature a variety of music, including religious, jazz, gospel, popular and classical. The group includes five brothers: Pat, Mike, Tim, Chris and Sean, as well as Bill Jenkinson, a family friend. They are accompanied by Bobbi Pominville, retired music teacher, who taught four of the members at

Rock Elementary School in Hudson. The O’Briens have performed many times in Wisconsin and Minnesota, including the Family Fest in Somerset and The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson. In summer 2004, they performed for President Bush at his appearance in Hudson during his presidential campaign. Most recently they performed with recording artist Marty Lamar. Special music for the month includes Sunday, July 22: North Valley Chime Choir will perform for the first

time. The chimes are similar to hand bells and provide a beautiful tone. Sunday, July 29: Sound of Harmony gospel quartet from Luck. Members of the group are Wayne and Lory Gustafson, Craig Cousins and Brenda Strilzuk, accompanied by Shelly Nelson. Please join the community at North Valley on any or all of these Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Call Pastor Maggie with any questions - 825-3559. - submitted by Mary Krull


JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29


PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

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JULY 11, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Burnett County celebrates Fourth of July • Queen Pageant

Janey Emery (L) and Jenna Wambolt, contestants for the title of Miss Siren 2007, are shown during the opening number at the pageant held Saturday, July 7, in the Siren School auditorium.

The 2007 Miss Siren, Jenna Wambolt, is shown with her court, including (foreground, L to R) Little Miss Siren princess Cassandra Maslow, Little Miss Siren Janna Cobb and princess Elle Emery; and (standing) Junior Miss Princess Amber Hall, Miss Siren Princess Janey Emery and Junior Miss Siren Tiara Hanson.

Jenna Wambolt, contestant for Miss Siren 2007, sang “Kiss the Girls” from “The Little Mermaid,” as her talent entry in the queen pageant. Wambolt is the daughter of Kim and Wade Wambolt.

Junior Miss Siren Tiara Hanson and her princess, Amber Hall, are shown in this photo. Amber was the choice of the Miss Siren candidates for the Miss Congeniality title.

Janey Emery, contestant for Miss Siren 2007, chose a vocal solo from “Pocahontas” as her talent in this year’s Siren Queen Pageant. Emery is the daughter of Michelle and James Emery.

The 2006 Miss Siren royalty called pageant director Lisa Hobbie to the stage for a thank-you and presentation of flowers during the pageant Saturday, July 7, at Siren School.

Tiara Hanson (L), daughter of Pam and Don Ganz, was crowned as Junior Miss Siren, a new category of judging in the 2007 Siren Queen Pageant. Shown with Tiara are (L to R): Jayme Mitchell, Mahriyah McKenzie and Abigail Mitchell.

Janna Cobb (R) was crowned Little Miss Siren 2007 by last year’s Little Miss Siren, Courtney Coy. There were three candidates for this year’s Little Miss. Cassandra Maslow is shown on the left, Elle Emery in the center of the photo.


PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 11, 2007

Centuria Memory Days • Queen Pageant

The new Centuria royalty, crowned last Friday evening at Unity School. New Miss Centuria Cailin Turner (seated) is shown with (L to R, back row) princesses Johanna Alling, daughter of Albert and Jeanne Alling and Brittney Peters, daughter of Craig and Kathy Peters; and First Princess Becca Milligan, daughter of Jim and Diane Milligan. Shown in front are Little Miss Princess Hope Tendrup and Little Miss Centuria 2007 Gabby Khazraeinazmpour. – Photos by Gary King

Cailin Turner played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on piano.

Becca Milligan read a tribute to soldiers. Her father, Jim, is stationed in Iraq.

Cailin Turner smiles as she’s crowned Miss Centuria 2007 by last year’s queen, Jennifer McMeekin. Jennifer is the daughter of Rick and Jolene Lindner.

Brittney Peters sang “A Place in This World.”

Robert McMeekin served as emcee for this year’s Miss CenOutgoing queen and first princess, Jennifer McMeekin turia Pageant. He is and Angela Brethold, gave their farewell speeches, in- an area pastor and cluding expression of gratitude to family and friends dur- the father of last ing Friday evening’s Miss Centuria Pageant. year’s Miss Centuria, Jennifer McMeekin.

“Kiss the Girl,” from “The Little Mermaid” was the soundtrack for the opening number at the Miss Centuria Pageant. Shown (L to R) are candidates Becca Milligan, Brittney Peters, Cailin Turner and Johanna Alling.

Johanna Alling sang “I Just Close My Eyes,” for her talent presentation.

LEFT: Gabby Khazraeinazmpour is crowned the new Little Miss Centuria by last year’s Little Miss Centuria, Kendra Bramsen. ABOVE: The Little Miss Dance was to “Just Around the Riverbend.” The girls were dressed as Disney princesses.

Candidates for the Little Miss Centuria title, Gabby Khazraeinazmpour and Hope Tendrup, anxiously await the drawing of names for who would be the new Little Miss Centuria. Gabby’s name was drawn. Gabby is the daughter of Rick and Jolene Lindner and Hope is the daughter of Eldon and Tayna Tendrup.


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